To: University President Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz & The Board of Trustees
Divest the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) from Fossil Fuels
As public pressure to confront climate change builds, we call on the University of Prince Edward Island to immediately freeze any new investment in fossil-fuel companies, and to divest within five years from direct ownership and from any commingled funds that include fossil-fuel public equities and corporate bonds. We believe such action on behalf of our University will not only be a sound decision for our institution’s financial portfolio, but also for the wellbeing of its current and future graduating classes, who deserve the opportunity to graduate with a future not defined by climate chaos.
Why is this important?
The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide. It is a real and serious threat that demands response. It is not a problem for the future, it is happening now and it is time to take a stand.
The first step in fighting climate change lies within the fossil fuel industry. A global movement is coming together to challenge this industry, and it’s time we join at a local level.
Our university – yes, that’s right, the University of Prince Edward Island – is one of many that have large investments in the fossil fuel industry. This investment is in complete contradiction to UPEI’s vision statement, which is “to foster a culture of sustainability at UPEI that is action oriented, touches all aspects of university life and the broader community and positions UPEI as a leading educational institution in sustainability.” Fossil fuel is not sustainable, and investing in the industry is actively going against UPEI’s own claim.
As students, our voices have power. We need to speak up and show UPEI that divestment in the fossil fuel industry is the way to go.
