15 of the last 16 years have been the warmest on record globally, and since the beginning of the industrial revolution the average global temperature has increased noticeably, over 1 degree celsius. Estimates indicate that the temperature will rise 4.8 degrees more by the end of the century, if we do nothing to change the status quo. It is now clear to all that the main reason for this dramatic increase is the extreme rise in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity.
Climate change is a dangerous phenomenon that is already doing harm to Israel today. Knesset reports state that there is reason to believe that climate change will deal a severe blow to the future of Israel’s economy, by affecting the fields of water, agriculture, ecology, and tourism throughout the country. The shortage of water resources will also facilitate regional instability and increase the likelihood of future conflicts between nations.
We call on the Hebrew University to end its investments in oil, coal and gas in all forms, and instead make investments that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible. If Hebrew University divested it would be joining more than 515 organizations that manage assets worth about 3.5 trillion dollars who have already pledged to stop the flow of funds to fossil fuels industries.