Billions Flow into Fossil Fuels and Controversial Weapons There is an interconnectedness between fossil fuel pollution and the military industrial complex. The US military is one of the largest climate polluters, consuming more liquid fuels and emitting more CO2e (carbon-dioxide equivalent) than most countries.ᶦ Meanwhile, as the Russia-Ukraine war wears on, severe air pollution, deforestation and soil degradation have mounted leading to a humanitarian crisis we have not even begun to fully understand.ᶦᶦ The seemingly never-ending nuclear arms race not only carries connotations of doom but also an ever-increasing budget. Every year, the nine nuclear-armed states spend exorbitant sums of money on the development of nuclear weapons, instead of putting this money toward things that benefit their own citizens, humanity as a whole, or our planet.ᶦᶦᶦ For the amount the US spent on nuclear weapons in 2023, over 2.6 million homes could have been powered by solar power or over 6.8 million homes could have been powered by wind power. Additionally, over 343 BILLION trees could have been planted, or 958,000 clean energy jobs could have been created.ᵛ,ᵛᶦ In this increasingly interconnected world, where pandemics, climate change, and extreme inequality pose the greatest challenges to our health, safety, and security, it’s essential to reevaluate our spending priorities. Redirecting resources away from nuclear weapons and toward addressing climate change is not only pragmatic but also crucial for our collective well-being. The Time to Act is Now We make this call to action in conjunction with 2024’s Climate Week and the Global Week of Action on Nuclear Spending. As leaders in the sustainable finance movement, Amalgamated Investment Services’ Fossil Fuel Free Portfolios have offered investors the opportunity to avoid companies such as those found in the Carbon Underground 200, Macroclimate 50, and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons’ (ICAN) list of 24 companies producing nuclear weapons, while investing in companies and initiatives working to build a cleaner future. Every choice we make, especially in finance, echoes into the future. The need for change is clear, and it starts with a bold step: divesting from fossil fuels and the military industrial complex. By reallocating your investments, you can help drive the global shift toward a sustainable and circular economy. Learn if your current investments mirror your commitment to environmental and social justice with our free Values Alignment Check. How Can You Help? Your investment choices have power. Divesting from fossil fuels and military weapons is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a proactive step toward a healthier, more sustainable world. By shifting your capital, you can move money away from the nuclear weapon producers and the fossil fuel industry, and instead support things you care about such as trying to solve the climate crises or providing support to historically marginalized communities. As the world realizes that extreme weather is here to stay and the fallout from war looms large, the time has come for bold action on both of these fronts. Our portfolios are constructed to divest from weapons and fossil fuels, help stop the flow of plastic into our oceans, and fight racial and social injustice. By choosing to invest in this way, you’re investing in a future that upholds environmental and social integrity and having a crucial impact by voting with your dollars. We invite you to explore our Fossil Fuel Free Portfolios and join a movement dedicated to building a sustainable, equitable world. Our expertise in sustainable finance uniquely positions us to guide you in aligning your investments with your values. Click here to learn more and connect with us. Warm regards, |
