How One Investor Turned Her Tesla Stock Into Real Climate Action

Written by Todd Paglia, Executive Director, Stand.earth

The Disappointment of Broken Promises

Many of us have put our faith into leaders or companies run by billionaires promising a better future, only to watch them put profits over people and the planet. Right now, I think many of us are feeling the heartbreak and disappointment of that very reality. But what if that disappointment could be transformed into something powerful?

A Story That Stopped Me in My Tracks

As Executive Director of Stand.earth, I have the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable people. But every so often, I come across a story that stops me in my tracks.

Sandra* believed in the promise of a sustainable future. Years ago, she saw Tesla as a symbol of progress, an innovative company leading the charge on clean energy solutions. Billionaire Elon Musk had promised an EV revolution, and she wanted to be part of it. So Sandra invested in Tesla shares, confident that she was advancing a solution to the climate crisis.

And for a time, Tesla was a game-changer. It was exciting. The company revolutionized the electric car market from ugly clunkers to sleek zero-emission racecars. Sandra saw the value of her stock investment rise well beyond her expectations.

When Priorities Shift… So Does My Money

But as Elon Musk’s recent actions make headlines, it’s become clear that his priorities have shifted. Like many of us, Sandra watched as his influence expanded beyond EVs. His rise to political power and influence is making way for policies that undermine democracy, violate civil rights, and actively work against climate progress. She realized she couldn’t stand by and be tied to a company now intertwined with an administration dismantling the progress she believes in. She knew she had a choice to make.

Rather than let her investment sit with a company whose leader violates her core values and beliefs, she decided to reinvest in real climate action.

Turning an Investment Into a Force for Change

Sandra had been inspired by our work for years, seeing Stand take on huge challenges with savvy strategy, bringing hope in the face of climate change. This was all brought home when she heard our International Program Director, Tzeporah Berman, speak at a conference. She saw just how powerful people can be when they work together to hold governments and corporations accountable.

That moment solidified her decision: she would divest from Tesla and invest in Stand’s mission to protect forests, accelerate renewable energy, and push industry to change. She donated her Tesla shares directly to Stand as a charitable gift. We immediately sold them, putting the funds to work: protecting forests, advancing climate action, and ramping up renewable energy.

A Bold Statement for the Future

Sandra didn’t just walk away from an investment that no longer reflected her values, she took control of where her money would go and made a powerful statement about the future she wants to build.

Sandra told me that making this kind of financial move felt personal, and she wanted to know that her gift would uphold her values. More than anything, she needed to know it would be used to power real climate action. And she trusts Stand to do exactly that—take bold action, hold the powerful accountable, and turn her investment into real, lasting change.

“Make Sure Your Investments Align With the Future You Want to See”

Her message to others?: “Make sure your investments align with the future you want to see. If they don’t, consider turning them into meaningful action.”
Sandra’s story is a reminder that we all have power—not just in the way we give, but in the choices we make about where our money flows. As a father, I think a lot about the future we’re building for the next generation. Choosing where our money goes is one way we shape that future.

Ready to Take Action?

If you’re ready to put your money where your values are, our team would love to start the conversation about giving a gift of stocks and securities to Stand.earth. Complete this form to connect with us, or explore how you can take back control of your investments here.

There are so many ways to support the work of Stand. Checking out our Ways To Give page is a first great step.

*For privacy reasons, we’re using the name ‘Sandra’ to share this inspiring story.