Breaking News: New York City comptroller demands asset managers commit to net-zero goals!

“We won’t bow to pressure to move away from our climate commitments. Today we’re demanding the retirement systems’ managers strengthen their plans consistent with their fiduciary duty—or we will find new managers who will.” Comptroller Brad Lander – April 22, 2025

Learn More: As Trump Assaults Climate Progress on Earth Day, Comptroller Lander Pushes Forward Toward Net Zero

The goal of the Divest/Invest movement is to end carbon emissions by terminating investments in the fossil fuel (oil, coal, gas) industries and supporting investments in renewable energy. Government pension funds control large investments and are uniquely amenable to public pressure. In 2012, we at 350NYC initiated the divestment campaign for New York City and State pension funds. We are now part of Divest New York, a statewide coalition which in turn is connected with STAND.earth, a global divestment organization.

Thanks to a surprisingly small number of committed activists, we were able to secure divestment commitments from New York City in 2018, and from the state’s Common Retirement Fund in 2020. This was heard around the world, and we believe contributed to the recent cascade of divestment announcements from universities and charities. Thirty-nine trillion dollars are now committed to divestment by fourteen thousand institutions globally.

You do not need to be a finance expert to become part of this movement. Email johngingram@gmail.com if you are interested in joining this effort.

As part of the Divest NY coalition, 350NYC is currently working to divest the New York State Teachers pension fund from fossil fuels.

 

More Information