As the leaders of the wealthiest nations meet in Cornwall, UK this weekend, the issues of recovery from the pandemic will be at the top of the agenda.
Yet, as these wealthy nations with successful vaccination programmes, proclaim victory over the virus, poorer countries continue to struggle.
The worst affected countries in the last 7 days are currently Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Where is the international reporting about those countries?
Britain wants “[G7] leaders to seize the opportunity to build back better from coronavirus, uniting to make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous.”
A great slogan, nice use of alliteration there, but a huge contradiction.
Yet, as these wealthy nations with successful vaccination programmes, proclaim victory over the virus, poorer countries continue to struggle.
The worst affected countries in the last 7 days are currently Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Where is the international reporting about those countries?
Britain wants “[G7] leaders to seize the opportunity to build back better from coronavirus, uniting to make the future fairer, greener and more prosperous.”
A great slogan, nice use of alliteration there, but a huge contradiction.
"build back better"
The UK announced a drastic reduction in foreign aid “from 0.7% to 0.5% of total national income - a reduction of around £4bn.
Greenpeace UK has been keeping track of the government’s broken promises on cutting carbon emissions.
Greenpeace UK has been keeping track of the government’s broken promises on cutting carbon emissions.
Power and inequality
Greenpeace and other activists call on citizens to take action. But it’s really hard to make sustainable choices when you have little control over your spending habits or accommodation. The shocking graph provided here shows the dramatic increase in the number of vulnerable people in the UK.
Greenpeace and other activists call on citizens to take action. But it’s really hard to make sustainable choices when you have little control over your spending habits or accommodation. The shocking graph provided here shows the dramatic increase in the number of vulnerable people in the UK.
If you’re busy worrying about whether your family will eat a healthy meal, you’re not going to be too worried about the fossil fuel targets being missed.
And thus the divide widens. The effects of climate change are being felt.
“Already, flooding in low-lying coastal areas is forcing people to migrate to higher ground, and millions more are vulnerable from flood risk and other climate change effects.”
Migration. Climate change causes migration.
So people fleeing war, famine and persecution will be joined in the inadequate refugee camps at the borders of the EU, USA and elsewhere. Hoping for protection from a problem they had little part in causing, but now at the mercy of those who caused it.
And thus the divide widens. The effects of climate change are being felt.
“Already, flooding in low-lying coastal areas is forcing people to migrate to higher ground, and millions more are vulnerable from flood risk and other climate change effects.”
Migration. Climate change causes migration.
So people fleeing war, famine and persecution will be joined in the inadequate refugee camps at the borders of the EU, USA and elsewhere. Hoping for protection from a problem they had little part in causing, but now at the mercy of those who caused it.
What CAN We Do?
It feels pretty hopeless doesn’t it?
The corrupt governments of wealthy, western nations act against international law with the full knowledge of their citizens and we can’t do anything.
But there are success stories of people-power leading to change.
The fantastic work of The Good Law Project have held politicians to account over PPE procurement, and the damage done by Trump’s selfish policies has been halted by President Biden.
I’m not going to preach at you about going vegan, donating to charities, reusing your plastic bags or signing petitions. But if any of these ideas has got you thinking, then here are some useful links.
How to go vegan
How to find and donate to a food bank near you
The Joyful Environmentalist
Greta Thundberg’s FridaysForFuture
Do something for nothing
Start the conversation. What should we do? Is it too late to make any changes? Is humanity doomed? Why should I care when I live in a nice house on a hill? Comment below.
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