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Story of the Week: March 2020

The potential for lower investment returns after divestment is real, and substantial

The potential for lower investment returns after divestment is real, and substantial

“The potential for lower investment returns after divestment is real, and substantial. The National Association of College and University Business Officers (Nacubo) has estimated the assets in university endowments to be $456-billion. A 0.7% decrease in the collective portfolio performance of these endowments would decrease annual growth by nearly $3.2-billion annually.”

Daniel R. Fischell

I think (divesting) simplifies the problem

I think (divesting) simplifies the problem

“I think (divesting) simplifies the problem. By divesting of fossil fuels, I don’t think you’re doing anything to solve the world’s problems in terms of climate change.”

Jackie Forrest, senior director at Arc Energy Research Institute

Fossil-fuel divestment is a fool's errand

Fossil-fuel divestment is a fool's errand

“Fossil-fuel divestment is a fool's errand that works against the natural preferences of the great masses. Consumers gravitate toward energies that are most affordable, reliable and ubiquitous. Consequently, U.S. and world energy demand is dominated by natural oil, gas and coal.”

Robert Bradley Junior

I do not believe that a persuasive argument has been made

I do not believe that a persuasive argument has been made

“Fossil fuels enable us to operate the university, to conduct research and to provide patient care...I do not believe that a persuasive argument has been made that divestment by the University of Michigan will speed up the necessary transition from coal to renewable or less polluting sources of energy.”

Dr. Mark Schlissel, President of the University of Michigan

Any serious success of a divestment initiative would potentially endanger the lives of billions of vulnerable people.

Any serious success of a divestment initiative would potentially endanger the lives of billions of vulnerable people.

“Because there are not readily available, and economic, alternatives to fossil fuels, any serious success of a divestment initiative would threaten food supply, global economies and political stability - potentially endangering the lives of billions of vulnerable people.”

Philip J. Hanlon, President of Dartmouth University (May 2016)