Fossil fuel divestment won’t solve climate change, critic says

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Photo: Courtesy of CDPHE)
A 2013 photo of pollution over Denver.
Photo: The Navajo Generating Station, Page, Arizona (AP)
The Navajo Generating Station, as seen from Lake Powell in Page, Ariz. Two of the power plants on the Navajo Nation, the Navajo Generating Station in Page and the Four Corners Power Plant near Farmington, N.M., are among the country's top emitters of carbon dioxide, releasing 17.8 million short tons and 12.9 million short tons in 2013, respectively.

The campaign to sell fossil fuel stocks distracts time and attention from efforts that can make a difference in global warming, says Andrew Holland, who studies the intersection of climate change and national security at the American Security Project in Washington D.C. He believes progress in addressing climate change will come from carbon pricing, investing in alternatives, and educating unconvinced voters. Last month, the University of Colorado rejected calls to divest from fossil fuels.

Holland spoke to Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner in the second part of our look at fossil fuel divestment.