I'm suffocating

Welcome to the 66th edition of Your Weekly Aura, a newsletter featuring must-read money and mindfulness tips and tricks from Courtney & Kelsey. This week we’re talking about taking action. If you like this newsletter, please share it with your friends and subscribe below.

I’m suffocating.

On Wednesday, New York set a new record with the worst air quality in history. Smoke-filled air from the Canadian wildfires blanked the city; air quality peaked at a 405 out of 500 on the Air Quality Index. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy, while above 300 is “hazardous,” the index’s worst possible rating. The last record set in NYC was 279 in 1981.

In an ironic twist, Wednesday was also National Clean Air Day in Canada.

Climate change is here. It’s suffocating our families, drowning our neighbors, and threatening our children’s future.

But there is still some hope - if we all act together.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of experts convened by the United Nations, released a 2023 report indicating that we - humanity - have one last chance to shift course. 

But it would require industrialized nations to join together immediately to slash greenhouse gases roughly in half by 2030 and then stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere altogether by the early 2050s.

If those two steps were taken, the world would have about a 50 percent chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Seems tough, nearly impossible. I know.

But you can take action, you can help us get back on course, you can vote and vote with your wallet.

Step One: Divest from fossil fuels. By divesting from fossil fuels, you can make a powerful statement and contribute to the urgent transition to a sustainable future. With Aura, you can screen out oil and gas companies, and invest proactively for a cleaner, greener future.

Step Two: Call your representative and tell them to end fossil fuel subsidies. U.S. Taxpayers are paying an estimated $20 billion per year to subsidize the fossil fuel industry. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), global fossil fuel subsidies amounted to a staggering $5.9 trillion in 2020, or 6.3% of global GDP. These subsidies undermine efforts to mitigate climate change and hinder the development of renewable energy sources.

It's crucial to hold our governments accountable and demand an end to these harmful subsidies. Contact your representatives today and urge them to redirect these funds towards clean energy initiatives that will help us build a sustainable and resilient future.

Together, we can create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

For Your Aura

Want to learn more about your money story and discover your Aura? Take our quiz to find out your money personality today.

The Star: How climate activists are using moral persuasion to target Vanguard and work to shift trillions of dollars away from fossil fuels and into renewables.

The Thinker: On Wall Street, “socially responsible” investing is common sense, on Capitol Hill, it’s political.

The Empath: Mental health professionals are trying to find ways to talk about the climate.

The Activist: Climate activists protest the MOMA’s fossil fuel donors outside the museum’s biggest fundraising gala.

Ask the Expert

What is “divestment” and how does it help me fight the climate crisis?

Divestment refers to the process of removing investments from companies or industries that are involved in activities deemed harmful or unsustainable, such as fossil fuels. Divestment helps investors align their financial resources with their values and take action to fight climate change. Here's how it can help:

1. Aligning with Climate Goals: By divesting from fossil fuels, you can redirect your investments towards sectors that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and other environmentally friendly initiatives.

2. Influencing Corporate Behavior: Divestment can encourage companies to reassess their business models, adopt sustainable practices, and invest in cleaner technologies. The collective divestment movement can put pressure on companies to transition away from fossil fuels and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

3. Redirecting financial resources towards sustainability. By investing in renewable energy companies, green bonds, socially responsible funds, or impact investing options, you can contribute to the growth and development of industries that are actively working to address climate change.

4. Advocacy and Awareness: Divestment can serve as a catalyst for discussions about sustainable investing and the urgent need to address climate change.

While divestment is a powerful tool, fighting climate change requires a comprehensive approach. Supporting clean energy policies, reducing personal carbon footprints, and engaging in advocacy for systemic change are essential to address the climate crisis.

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