Your Health

Worried your 401(k) is fueling climate change?

3 tips to make sure your investments are also fighting climate change

Have a 401(k), savings, or checking account? Congratulations! You are now a shareholder of oil and gas companies. OK, just kidding, that’s not exactly how it works, but your money isn’t just sitting around twiddling its thumbs. It gets invested in a lot of different ways, including with companies responsible for climate change. You might end up owning stocks in coal, oil, or gas companies through your retirement account and, if you’re banking with certain banks, they could be using your money to help finance oil or gas pipelines.


Why does it matter? We all know climate change is already happening. We are feeling the impact on our health today from extreme heat to worsening allergy seasons to the food on our plates. You can use your money to help the transition away from climate-damaging fossil fuels into clean energy that is healthier for you, your kids, and your communities. And, it’s easy to do.

Here are 3 steps you can take to use your money to do good for the planet and your finances.