As a community member, I support the Middlebury College students who are petitioning their board of directors to divest from fossil fuels.
In a recent letter to the editor, Kristin Karlson ’17, wrote: “We believe that climate change is a threat to the livelihood of current and future generations. We believe the assumption that fossil fuels are a necessary part of a stable investment portfolio is outdated and false. We believe that our colleges should see the sustainability of our planet as integral to our academic and future success; for our future and the future of the planet are one and the same.”
I believe these students are on the right track. They are part of a worldwide movement of colleges and other institutions who are calling for divestment from fossil fuels because they recognize that we need to transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
I have signed their petition at http://campaigns.gofossilfree.org/petitions/middlebury-college and encourage other community members and alumni to do so also. They deserve our respect and support because they are working for a sustainable future for all of us.
Fran Putnam
Weybridge