The G20 summit just closed, and let’s just say I’m pissed!
First things first, what is it? The G20 is comprised of the largest economies and works to address major issues related to the global economy.
What happened at the summit? I read a lot of contradictory news on whether it was a success or not. So I went to read the statement myself. So here’s a breakdown of 3 key areas (more to come soon):
What happened at the summit? I read a lot of contradictory news on whether it was a success or not. So I went to read the statement myself. So here’s a breakdown of 3 key areas (more to come soon):
Climate
On climate, they “commit to formulate long term strategies”. Beyond weak words, they committed to previously agreed agreements, failed to set dates for net-zero emissions, and once again went weak on 
fossil fuels.“We will increase our efforts to implement the commitment to phase out and rationalize, over the medium term, inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption.”
This is completely inadequate
. Fossil fuel subsidies must be banned NOW, not phased out in the medium-term! Why? fossil fuels represent 89% of global CO2 emissions & stopping subsidies could cut those by 1/3. That’s why we are pushing to ban fossil fuel subsidies at COP 26: https://www.atlasmovement.org/fossilfuel
. Fossil fuel subsidies must be banned NOW, not phased out in the medium-term! Why? fossil fuels represent 89% of global CO2 emissions & stopping subsidies could cut those by 1/3. That’s why we are pushing to ban fossil fuel subsidies at COP 26: https://www.atlasmovement.org/fossilfuel
COVID 19
On COVID 19, they pledged to “advance our efforts to ensure timely, equitable and universal access to safe, affordable, quality and effective vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, with particular regard to the needs of low- and middle-income countries.” Great, but there was no mention of a TRIPS waiver that is needed to 
produce more vaccines, faster, and make them available to more countries. We can’t really take countries that have been hoarding doses for a year and a half at their word… The upcoming WTO meeting will be key.Gender Equality
On Gender Equality: they talked about putting women and girls at the Center, and of course didn’t mention having more women in power to do just that. Yet check out the picture and spot the women. 35 leaders & guests attended the meeting,yet only 5 were women and 3 represented an official G20 member state. Parity is fundamental to achieving equality. The lack of representation in political positions is not only a fundamental flaw of democracy, but also one of the root causes of gender-related discrimination, and a missed opportunity.
It’s insane that in 2021, in this moment in history, 35 of the most powerful people on earth couldn’t come to real conclusions and concrete next steps on how to make the world more equitable. This past year has showed us the need for global leadership. We aren’t getting it.