To save the climate, choose your bank
As surprising as it may seem, “there is a strong link between our savings entrusted to the bank and fossil fuel exploitation projects around the world”. This is the thesis presented in Dijon by Lucie PINSON, founder of the NGO Reclaim finance, during the “Other Economy Days” on November 25 and 26, 2022. Indeed, most of the major global and French banking groups finance the needs of multinationals for their projects, in particular related to fossil fuels, the most climate-killing. In addition, many banks and establishments finance the atomic bomb, which is now prohibited by the United Nations Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, in force since January 2021. This is how, without knowing it, the retirement savings turns into a ticking time bomb for us and our children. It is even the first source of greenhouse gas emissions for a household!
The City of Dijon sets an example
Having attended the presentation in November, the Mayor of Dijon was touched by the arguments of the speaker from Reclaim Finance. Indeed, the City of Dijon has financial investments in the order of several million euros. After a survey of financial advisors, it turns out that this money was actually used to fund projects at odds with François REBSAMEN’s green discourse. He mandated François DESEILLE, assistant in charge of finance, to find a more recommendable and virtuous establishment. This is how the choice fell on La Nefa 100% cooperative banking establishment, which exclusively finances environmental, social and cultural projects.
Towards a massive change of bank
Absolutely convinced by this new way of properly financing projects, François DESEILLE confides that “it’s very simple: all you have to do is carry out a risk analysis on « . Indicators show the commitments of banking organizations for the climate and alternatives are proposed. This website is suitable for all profiles: community, company and individual. Addressing the Mayors of other municipalities, the deputy indicates “if you have any questions, you can contact me: francois.deseille@ville-dijon.fr”.
François REBSAMEN goes further by encouraging “all Dijonnaises and all Dijonnais to invest their savings in banks whose practices are the most respectful of the climate and the environment, such as La Nef, or to open an account at Crédit Coopératif ” . “Let us know by tagging #changedebanque on the city’s Facebook page he adds. The challenge for the city councilor is that more than 20,000 inhabitants get involved, in the hope of winning the prize at the next “Greener than nature” community trophy.
