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Abbott vs the G20
Dear friend, This week, just weeks after the largest climate mobilisation ever, the world’s two biggest polluters — the United States and China — announced their most ambitious climate action yet. That is not a coincidence: it’s a sign that the climate movement is having an impact, but we still need to do much more. The emissions of China and the US have been used by governments around the world as an excuse to dodge their own responsibilities. But this new agreement leaves these governments with nowhere to hide and opens the door for real progress from global governments. Right now, world leaders are converging on Australia for the G20 leaders summit but G20 host, Tony Abbott, is standing between them and a discussion about climate action. Despite mounting pressure in Australia and from governments around the world, Tony Abbott is stubbornly refusing to allow a meaningful discussion of climate change at the G20. You know what it’s like when you return from a few days away to an overflowing inbox. Imagine how much worse that would be if climate activists from around the world decided it was time to let you know what they thought of your climate denialism blocking important discussions at the G20. Of course, there is no guarantee that this will change Tony Abbott’s mind. He has made it clear that he is on the fossil fuel industry’s side, and is on a single-minded mission to run a wrecking ball through climate action in Australia. But with just one day to go until the G20 summit, perhaps thousands of messages will finally convince him to get out of the way. And just to be sure that he is getting your message we will also fax them to his office. Yes, apparently fax is still a thing. There is plenty that the G20 could talk about when it comes to climate action. G20 countries are wasting US $88 billion a year[1] just to help fossil fuel companies find new fossil fuel reserves, despite numerous warnings from scientists that we need to leave the fossil fuels we already know about in the ground. With the new agreement between the US and China, now is the time for the G20 to commit to ending fossil fuel subsidies and taking steps towards real action on climate change. But unless Tony Abbott lets them talk about it, no commitments will be made. Regards, Charlie Wood, a frustrated Australian climate campaigner. [1] G20 governments propping up fossil fuel exploration – ODI |
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