Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who is investing billions in seeking technology breakthroughs for lower-carbon energy, has said, “Divestment, to date, probably has reduced about zero tons of emissions.” Consumer demand still has to be met. There is no obvious way that people around the world can any time soon dispose of their 1.4 billion cars that run on oil, and people will still need to heat and air-condition their homes. There are other aspects as well. Dividends from BP and Shell were funding 20 percent of all pensions in Britain.
