Climate Change Negotiations Resume

by David Borton (Ghana, 65-67)

    In November in the Hague, Netherlands, international negotiations on  climate change continue the discussions that resulted in the Kyoto Protocol.   These talks also relate to the Montreal Protocol concerning chlorofluorocarbons, because CFCs are strong greenhouse gasses as well as ozone depleting gasses.  Recent studies suggest that climate change is likely to be worse than expected and data shows the ozone hole is bigger than ever.     Science makes it clear that it is prudent to: 1) reduce CFC emissions by  strong, quick, enforced implementation of the Montreal Protocol;  2)  reduce methane emissions by closing leaks from pipelines, mines, oil fields and even  agricultural practices;  3)  switch fuels: coal to oil to natural gas to reduce carbon intensity;  4)  use low carbon or carbon-free technologies.
    A friend recently bought a $18,500 hybrid-electric car.  The vehicle gets over 60 mpg and "feels like a $50,000 car" in the owner's opinion.  We can all support increases in energy efficiency because they save us money and  create jobs, as well as reducing greenhouse gasses.  And we can support the use of renewable energy which creates jobs, reduces greenhouse gasses, and  will save money in the long run if not immediately.
    We, our nation's economy, now use more energy than ever before.  The nation is more dependent than ever on imported oil.  We need to consider energy in context if we are to address the challenges of efficient, effective, and sufficient energy use, while lessening global warming. And the energy context is very broad-- it includes national security, the loss of  biodiversity, increasing ranges of tropical diseases, as well as many other concerns for human well-being.  We can support reductions of greenhouse gasses individually and as part of an international process.


Socially Responsible Investing
by Susan Singh (Ghana, 63-65)

     As the year draws to a close, some people may be considering end-of-the-year investments with their savings.  According to Co-op America, one out of eight dollars invested today is part of a responsibly invested portfolio.  This has been an extremely rapid growth.  I know that less than 10 years ago I looked for a professional financial advisor who could give me some advice here in Oklahoma.  People went blank when I asked for someone with expertise in socially responsible investing (SRI).  At that time the closest advisor I could find was in St. Louis. Since then SRI has grown into a dynamic section of the financial investment market.  It depends upon a three-pronged approach to direct money into avenues that support the environment and people.  Screening is used to avoid investment in harmful area and encourage investment in environmentally or socially beneficial area.  Shareholder advocacy  allow shareholders to dialogue with management and vote their proxies in beneficial ways.  Community-Based investment guides investors into businesses that benefit local communities and low-income areas.

     There are many sources of information available to the socially responsible investor today.  One of the best is Co-op America's Financial Planning Handbook.  It costs $5 and can be obtained by calling
(800)58-GREEN. 
     The following steps are recommended by Co-op America to get started:
1)  Develop responsible investing criteria.  Ask yourself what kinds of businesses you want to include in you financial portfolio. What types of businesses do you philosophically disapprove of?  Make a list, and use it as a guide for setting up affirmative and negative screens for your investments.   You can find SRI mutual funds that have screens that match your criteria at www.socialinvest.org
2) If you already have investments, review them.  Read the prospectus from your mutual fund/s and see if any companies or industries are included that violate your social or environmental standards.  Consider changing funds if your needs are not being met, or ask your mutual funds to include SRI criteria.
3) Consult a financial planner.  Not only can a good SRI financial adviser help you achieve your investment goals, s/he can also put her SRI research to work for you, letting you know about companies that are both good investments and fit your affirmative and negative screening criteria. Your adviser can
also help you keep companies with questionable practices out of your portfolio.  You can find a financial adviser at www.socialinvest.org
4) Do you own investigating.  If you handle your own investments, watch the news or read the paper.  Take note of companies that violate your SRI criteria, as well as exemplary companies in which you may want to invest.
5) Invest one percent of your portfolio in community-based investment opportunities.  See www.socialinvest.org to find community investing options that reflect your interests.
6) Vote your proxies.  If you own stock in a company that's being targeted  for a shareholder campaign, watch for the proxy ballots, and send in your vote!  Contact the Shareholder Action Network:
(202)872-5313;
www.shareholderaction.org