I would like to express my support for the initiative to divest Dalhousie University’s endowment fund from the fossil fuel industry.

I recognize that carbon emissions are understood by the scientific and international community to be the driving force behind global climate change. The business model of the fossil fuel industry relies on extracting and burning carbon-based fuels. Furthermore, it has been agreed upon by a majority of UN Member States that in order to avoid catastrophic climate change, the average global temperature cannot rise by more than two degrees Celsius (beyond pre-industrial levels). In order to keep the earth below this threshold, roughly 80% of proven oil, gas, and coal reserves must remain in the ground and unburned. In calling for divestment from fossil fuels, supporters of this Dalhousie initiative stand alongside members of over 300 colleges and universities and over 100 municipalities and religious institutions that recognize this moral imperative.

I support calling on Dalhousie University to:

1. Make public information about its current investments;
2. Freeze new investments in fossil fuel industries; and
3. Fully divest existing stocks and bonds in fossil fuel industries within four years.

Dalhousie University has an opportunity to position itself as a global leader in environmental accountability and sustainability. I believe that divesting from the fossil fuel industry and reinvesting in more socially and environmentally just alternatives would set a positive example for institutions worldwide, in addition to reinforcing Dalhousie’s own commitment to “principled and ethical actions”, as expressed in the Dalhousie Mission Statement.

Signed,

You can also download the Faculty Endorsement Letter and email a signed copy to [email protected].