To the editor: Divestment is a blunt instrument that may neither scale back emissions nor restrict fossil gas manufacturing, however it could limit the California State Lecturers’ Retirement System’s potential to meet our mission to safe the monetary way forward for California’s public faculty lecturers. (“California’s pension funds are wrecking the planet and shedding billions. It’s fairly a trick,” Opinion, June 28)
We can not merely divest away local weather change. As a substitute of getting fewer climate-conscious traders, we’d like extra. Local weather change is a significant menace that presents dangers to all industries and corporations in our funding portfolio.
Somewhat than divestment, which basically transfers shares to different traders who could also be unwilling to have interaction firms about local weather change, CalSTRS is actively dedicated to attaining net-zero emissions throughout our portfolio, in alignment with state and federal targets.
We can not afford to play politics with trainer pensions.
William Prezant, Sacramento
The author chairs the funding committee of the California State Lecturers’ Retirement Board.
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To the editor: Because of The Instances for its persevering with protection of local weather change, the best existential disaster in human historical past. Particular kudos to Invoice McKibben for his glorious op-ed article relating to fossil gas funding by CalSTRS and CalPERS (the California Public Workers’ Retirement System).
As McKibben factors out, along with the sensible and pressing crucial to divest, it makes no fiduciary sense to help such a dangerous trade.
As a retired trainer, my pension consists of each CalSTRS and CalPERS. I urge the California Lecturers’ Assn. and my state representatives to help Senate Invoice 252, which might require divestment from the biggest fossil gas firms by 2031.
For the safety of future retirees and the well being of our planet, we should put money into clear power.
Margaret Baker Davis, La Verne
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To the editor: Retirement-fund divestment is crucial, however many neglect that we apply one other sort of planet-wrecking funding with each journey to the pump.
Shopping for gasoline successfully calls for that Large Oil thrive, which retains its lobbyists in enterprise too. They assist elect local weather deniers and search to make sure a second Trump presidency.
Divest now and swap that inside combustion engine for a zero-emission car that may be powered by daylight or wind. Electrical automobiles have by no means been cheaper, and billions in non-public and public monies are bettering public charging by the day, together with in low-income areas and in communities of shade.
Don’t let your mates drive a gasoline automotive both. Divest now. Drive an EV.
Paul Scott, Santa Monica
The author is co-founder of the electrical car advocacy group Plug In America.
