PhiLab Seminar on Divestment from Fossil Fuels

In an effort to foster debate on the role of the philanthropic sector in a fair and green economic recovery, PhiLab invites you to a virtual event on fossil fuel divestment: a social and environmental movement that has gained momentum over the past decade. The fossil fuel divestment movement raises important questions for institutional investors around topics such as:

1. different approaches to socio-environmental responsibility in the face of the climate crisis;

2. investors’ role (or lack thereof) in the acceleration of an energy transition away from fossil fuel usage; and

3. the financial risks associated with fossil fuel assets while the spectre of a “carbon bubble” looms large.

The goal of this event is to provide a space for debate on the role of philanthropic foundations with respect to fossil fuel divestment. We will explore questions such as: What is fossil fuel divestment? What are the environmental, social, and economic implications of divestment? What is its relevance of divestment to the socio-ecological transition? What does fossil fuel divestment look like in practice for foundations?

To address these questions, we will divide this event into three parts. Part one will involve two presentations. The first presentation, given by sociologist Éric Pineault (UQAM), will provide a general introduction to divestment. The second presentation, by Elara Neath Thomin, a member of the Divest McGill collective, will provide an overview of the main arguments in favour of financial divestment from the fossil fuel industry. During the second part of the event, a panel of representatives from philanthropic organizations committed to divestment will share their experiences. Finally, the seminar will conclude with a 45-minute discussion session, where we will open the floor to questions and debate between and amongst speakers and participants.

Given that thinking and action around fossil fuel divestment is still in its infancy within the sector, we are electing for a closed-door format for this event. This means that the event is reserved exclusively for representatives of philanthropic organizations. Therefore, please indicate which organization you are associated with when you reserve your ticket.