Protect our future by demanding climate responsibility from pension funds
I am writing to express my concerns regarding our state’s public pension fund. I’m urging them to vote for climate action at this spring’s shareholder meetings for the major corporations the pensions are invested in.
As Appalachia recovers from devastating floods in the wake of Hurricane Helene and LA faces down wildfires, it’s clear that it’s all hands-on-deck for stopping the climate crisis.
Climate Change is real and it is happening gradually.
Our economy—and my retirement savings—depend on a thriving planet. Which is why my pension fund needs to play a leadership role in stopping climate change.
Public pensions are some of the country’s biggest shareholders and should champion sound business practices that respect people and the planet.
Holding corporations accountable for their climate-wrecking behavior is a critical way to reduce risk to workers’ retirement savings and protect our future.
Extreme weather means more kids are missing school more often, and as a teacher, I can see them struggle in the classroom. Our mental health community is impacted with fear and stress. Our unhoused community is impacted with additional shelters and resources.
I want my pension fund to strengthen its proxy voting guidelines—the policy that outlines their beliefs about what defines good corporate behavior—to tackle the climate crisis.
I want our pension fund to care about our future as much as I do.
Richard Gallo
Santa Cruz
