New York's climate law requires net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Comptroller DiNapoli is currently divesting the NYS pension from coal, oil and gas companies, citing financial risk to the fund. New York City teachers have also committed to divest. Yet the NYS Teachers Retirement System (NYSTRS) has refused to develop a divestment plan.

The climate crisis is creating havoc and disrupting lives with firestorms, floods, rising oceans and drought. While teachers are committed to the education of all students, communities of color bear the brunt of climate destruction. It is immoral to provide financial support for, or to seek to make money from, an activity that is destroying the planet. Students are demanding climate action. The fund must support the students in their goal for a sustainable future.

NYSTRS must stop investments in the fossil fuel industry which are putting the financial stability of the pension fund at risk and are destroying our planet NOW.