Fossil fuel divestment activists displayed a sign outside the lower house of Ireland’s legislature.
Credit: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland/Trócaire/350.org)

Climate activists across the globe celebrated Thursday after the lower house of the Irish legislature passed a divestment bill with support from all parties, effectively ensuring that Ireland will become the first nation in the world to fully divest public money from the fossil fuel industry. (emphasis added)

“This week, packed with divestment announcements from churches, universities, and now the first full divestment by a national government, is sending a clear signal that breaking the ties with fossil fuel companies is becoming the new norm: investing in them is no longer economically viable nor morally right,” responded Nicolò Wojewoda of 350.org Europe. “The only way to meaningfully address the climate crisis is to stop funneling money into the fossil fuel industry and instead to support the momentous rise of renewable energy.”

“The groundswell that’s been building around the planet for divestment derives its power from everyone working together toward the same end. It’s all one big fight. […]