Fossil Free
Passionate climate activists around the world may find an entirely unexpected new ally for their cause: the financial sector. Following the recent climate change talks in Paris, concerned citizen groups have pooled their resources to pressure wealthy institutions investing in the fossil fuel industry. A new documentary, Fossil Free, documents their mission.
From the Netherlands to New York, their movement is gaining momentum. Their combined efforts target a variety of organizations around the world that invest in gas, coal, and oil companies, including universities, banks, governments, and large investment firms. your argument? The money you invest reflects your personal values. The activists cite their view that the fossil fuel industry is a major contributor to an unsustainable environment and cite divestment as a way to restore public confidence and reputation.
This film paints a portrait of the people working hard to advance this grassroots movement. Many of them are young and see themselves as the last generation capable of actually making a difference in curbing climate change. They are determined to fill the void left by the older generation’s indifference to these pressing issues.
In Berlin, a young woman struggles to buy time to discuss the city’s ongoing fossil fuel investments with a senior government official. In New York, an innovative online platform called 350.org is working to mobilize and focus the movement’s efforts on a global stage. In Amsterdam, activists are trying to persuade one of the region’s most important investment firms to remove the companies from its portfolio.
Surprisingly, some investment firms have shown that they are willing to buy into the movement’s convictions, although their arguments often focus on financial risks rather than ethical considerations. In their view, the fossil fuel sector is an overpriced asset and an increasingly uncertain investment proposition for potential investors.
The climate change movement is multifaceted, and we can win on many fronts if we stay steadfast in our fight against climate change. Fossil Free is a worthwhile exploration of such efforts to contain this growing crisis.
