Bill McKibben on Faith & Fossil Fuel Divestment

Should religious institutions have a financial stake in the fossil fuel industry? Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and renowned author, makes a compelling case that they shouldn’t. In this talk, McKibben calls on churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions to divest their financial holdings from fossil fuel companies, arguing that continued investment in an industry driving climate change stands in direct contradiction to the moral and spiritual values these institutions represent. He frames divestment not merely as a financial decision, but as a powerful ethical statement — one that aligns religious institutions’ resources with their teachings on stewardship, justice, and care for creation. McKibben’s message challenges faith communities to move beyond symbolic environmental gestures toward substantive, systemic action that leverages their collective financial influence for climate impact. Those inspired to act can learn more and join the fossil fuel divestment campaign at gofossilfree.org. http://gofossilfree.org