Fossil fuels are much in the news these days as gas prices climb and the conflict in Iran continues.
As Passionists, we take seriously Pope Francis’ challenge in Laudato Si’ to imagine a world where renewable energy is abundant and we are no longer dependent on fossil fuels, a future where wars are no longer fought over oil and Creation is no longer suffering from our fossil fuel habit.
Being part of this future, one where we protect and nurture our common home, is as easy as asking a question. Passionist Family member Dan O’Donnell asked himself:
“How many of us retired people are dependent on pensions which are heavily invested in fossil fuels?”
The answer surprised him. It’s estimated that institutional investors, including pension funds and insurance companies, hold $5.1 trillion in fossil fuel shares–nearly 30% of all fossil fuel industry shares, making them the largest asset owners backing oil, gas and coal (Source).
Closer to home, Dan found out that his own pension fund, the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund, was invested in fossil fuels.
So Dan wrote a letter to his pension fund’s board requesting that the fund divest from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy like solar and wind. He also worked with his local AARP group to encourage folks to write to their various pension boards and make the same request.
If you would like to join Passionist voices working to create the fossil fuel-free world Pope Francis imagined, we invite you to write to your pension or investment fund.
Contact our Laudato Si’ team below and Dan would be glad to help you get started!
