Divest New York: The City of New York, C40, Fossil Fuel Divestment, and Climate Litigation

Abstract

In a case study of the City of New York, this paper explores and analyses civic, municipal narratives about climate activism, local government, fossil fuel divestment and climate litigation. Part 1 considers the integral part of the City of New York in the establishment and the evolution of the C40 Network. Part 2 focuses upon the fossil fuel divestment decision of the City of New York, and its commitment to reinvestment in respect of renewable energy and climate solutions. Part 3 examines the unsuccessful climate litigation by the City of New York against a number of major oil companies for damage caused by climate change, and the prospects of a future appeal. This paper contends that the City of New York provides an exceptional example for other cities seeking to support climate action.

Keywords: New York, C40 Network, Fossil Fuel Divestment, Climate Litigation, Cities, Climate Change, Climate Policy, Climate Action

JEL Classification: K32