...
Christiana Figueres, former head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and architect of the Paris climate agreement said, “Today’s announcement is another reminder of New York City’s long-standing position at the cutting edge of culture, as a beacon for entrepreneurs and innovators focused on building a better future. The exponential transition toward a fossil-fuel-free economy is unstoppable and local governments have a critical role to play. There is no time to lose. It’s therefore extremely encouraging to see NYC step up today to safeguard their city and exercise their role as investors to protect their beneficiaries from climate-risk.”
“It’s time to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable,” said Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN, “Sea levels are rising, major storms are occurring with increasing frequency - and it is low income communities and communities of color who are hit the hardest. These companies must pay for the damages they knowingly caused to our city and the planet as a whole. We applaud Mayor de Blasio and Comptroller Scott Stringer for seeking restitution from fossil fuel companies and divesting public funds from them. These two important initiatives show that cities like New York are leading the way in the fight against climate change"
“We commend the Mayor, Comptroller, and trustees of the City's pension funds for their commitment to divest from fossil fuels. We know all too well that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the greed of the fossil fuel industry and their contribution to climate change. This commitment puts New York City in a position of national leadership and is an important move towards achieving climate justice for communities on the frontline of the crisis,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, UPROSE.
“Frontline communities of color and the Global South are disproportionately vulnerable to the ravages of climate change have long advocated for divestment commitments that reduce our complicity with terracide. As someone with a small city pension, I can also state unequivocally my financial future is inextricably bound to this planet’s future. We applaud Mayor de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer and Public Advocate Tish James for taking the necessary steps in this age of Trump and climate denialism to continue to move the needle forward - for our communities, our City and our children. Bravo!” said Eddie Bautista, Executive Director of NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA).
To read the full article, visit City of New York