Investing in Big Oil and Fossil Fuel Companies in the 21st Century

Editorial - The end of the “Age of Fossil Fuels” is fast approaching. More leaders are speaking out against the use of fossil fuels as scientific data mounts showing it is leading to destructive global climate change. Fortunately, competitive alternative energy sources and new technologies now exist that can be used as the world starts to phase out its use of oil and coal to generate energy.

Another clear sign that the end of the “Age of Fossil Fuels” is now upon us can be seen in the growing movement by individuals and large organizations to divest themselves of stock holdings in “Big Oil” and other fossil fuel companies.

To support these claims, check out the following news and information published over the past two months:

• The United Church of Canada votes to drop fossil fuel investments due to climate concerns - http://calgaryherald.com/business/energy/united-church-to-drop-fossil-fuel-investments-due-to-climate-concerns/…
• As previously reported, Church of England to sell off oil and coal interests over climate change concerns - http://www.cbc.ca/1.3056382
• California pension funds lose $5 billion this past year on fossil fuel investments - http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/California-pension-funds-lose-5-billion-on-6441040.php?cmpid=twitter-tablet…
• Solar power is having a great year in the US, except on Wall Street which is still betting on Oil - http://www.ecoti.ms/0NBUbZ
• Fossil Fuel Industry Pours $60 Million Into GOP Presidential Candidates Coffers - http://bluenationreview.com/fossil-fuel-industry-pours-60-million-into-gop-prez-candidates-coffers/…
• Campaign Financing: Fracking Industry Billionaires Give Record $15 Million To Sen.Ted Cruz's Super PAC - http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/fracking-industry-billionaires-give-record-15-million-ted-cruzs-super-pac…
• The Environment and the 2016 Elections - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-cohen/the-environment-and-the-2_b_7965156.html
• The 2016 Election is critical for Stopping Climate Change - http://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2015/08/14/the-2016-election-is-critical-for-stopping-climate-change
• Pope Francis issues encyclical calling for end to fossil fuels and lays moral basis for care of creation - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33182065…
• Republican Candidates Argue Pope Should Leave Science to Those Scientists Who Deny Climate Change - http://www.theonion.com/r/50701
• Despite protests, Shell oil resumes drilling in Arctic Ocean - http://www.dw.com/en/shell-resumes-offshore-drilling-in-arctic/a-18621249 …
• Shell to cut 6,500 jobs as cheap oil hurts profits; another sign of the slow demise of Oil Energy industry over the coming decade - http://usat.ly/1I3ztYe
• Former BP Oil Boss says Shell's Arctic Oil drilling too 'risky' - http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33872486…
• South Carolina's Myrtle Beach council votes to oppose offshore Oil drilling - http://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article30820593.html …
• Number of towns and people saying 'No Drilling' for oil off the Carolina coast grows - http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150727/PC1002/150729477…
• The Big Reason Why America Is Turning to Renewable Energy: Just the Facts - http://www.alternet.org/environment/americans-are-switching-renewable-energy-because-its-cheaper…
• South Carolina shines light for other states to follow on Solar power | Editorial - http://www.islandpacket.com/2015/07/29/3856825/guest-opinion-south-carolina-shines.html…
• Local community Solar farms across the US grow 500% this year - http://www.computerworld.com/article/2939655/sustainable-it/community-solar-farms-to-grow-500-this-year.html…
• Trillions will go into Solar in coming decades, but not fast enough to halt Climate change - http://cnnmon.ie/1IbIe4g
• Latest Annual Report on Climate Change Shows Unstoppable Ocean Warming. Pay attention! - http://goo.gl/KKfIyn
• Oceans Could Rise Faster Than Expected according to Top Scientists - http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/oceans-could-rise-faster-projected-top-climate-scientist-says-n397131
• DoD Releases Report on Implications of Climate Change - http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=129366

As you can see, “Big Oil” keeps lobbying hard and pushing ahead with their attempts to keep us all hooked on fossil fuels for as long as they can, no matter what the cost to our planet.

As the 'Age of Fossil Fuels' slowly comes to an end, oil companies are racing to drill for oil in every sensitive environmental location on Earth they can find while they can - off the Carolina coast, in the Arctic ocean, at the North Pole, off California's coast, near sensitive underwater reefs...

One would thing that if “Big Oil”companies want to survive in this 21^st century, they would be trying to invest heavily in the growing alternative energy industry - solar power, hydro-electric, wind energy, fuel cells, nuclear power... Unfortunately, that doesn't yet appear to be happening. Their focus is still on the short term, driving the cost of oil down, and keeping the world hooked on the use of costly, polluting fossil fuels.

Fortunately, we now know that strategy will fail over the long term and more and more individuals and companies will continue to divest themselves of stocks in these companies if they don't change. What do you think? Give us your feedback on the Future of Energy in America.

* See Energy and the Environment in 2050 posted on the America's Future: 2020-2050 blogging site.