Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2015
CONTACTS:
· 350VT: Jillian Mayer 350VT Divestment Organizer, 941-321-9430, [email protected]
· divestor.org: Dan Quinlan, 802-760-7400, [email protected]
Panel of Experts to Discuss the Merits of Divestment at Personal Divestment Seminar
Burlington: On May 2nd, 350 Vermont and divestor.org will host “Your Investments Matter: Personal Divestment Seminar.” The event brings together a panel of experts to explain how individuals can make a bold statement against climate change, safeguard their investments from risky fossil fuel holdings, and invest in the new energy economy. This event is open to the public. Panelists include Dan Quinlan of divestor.org, Harris Roen of the Roen Report, Jake Ide of the Vermont Community Loan Fund, Karin Chamberlain of Clean Yield Asset Management, and Tom Francis of Fossil Free Indexes, LLC.
Global consensus is growing: 70-80% of fossil fuel reserves must stay underground if we are going to keep global warming below a catastrophic 2*C. At the same time, fossil fuel investors may soon be left with stranded assets – investments unable to make an economic return – as social pressure builds and carbon regulation increases. The divestment movement has gained traction in recent years, as concerned individuals push for their institutions and endowments to consider the societal and financial risks of fossil fuels.
Individuals also have an important part to play in the divestment movement. “More and more of us are taking matters into our own hands and, rather than allowing our money to contribute to climate change, are choosing to divest from fossil fuel companies,” states Deborah Messing, a Montpelier resident and co-organizer of the Seminar. Dan Quinlan of divestor.org adds “the personal divestment movement also presents the opportunity for more people to learn about and invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency – the heart of the new energy economy.”
The Personal Divestment Seminar is co-hosted by 350 Vermont and divestor.org, and will take place at Main Street Landing, 60 Lake Street, Burlington on Saturday, May 2. The panel will speak from 3:30-5 PM, including a question-and-answer session. Panelists and the public are invited to join our reception with refreshments from 5–6PM. Progressive Asset Management, Bob the Green Guy, The Skinny Pancake, and Main Street Landing have co-sponsored this event. The organizers ask for a $10 donation, though no one will be turned away.
For more information about the Personal Divestment Seminar and to RSVP, visit
http://350vt.nationbuilder.com/personal
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