A year ago if you had asked me what the significance of the G8 was I would have been at a lost for words. What is the G8? Why should I care? Well I’m here to answer some of your question and give you a quick guide on how to get involved in the upcoming G8 Ministers Meetings happening here in Canada.
What is the G8?
G8 refers to the eight member states (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA and Canada) or to the annual summit meeting of the G8 heads of government. G8 ministers also meet throughout the year, such as the G7/8 finance ministers (who meet four times a year), G8 foreign ministers, or G8 environment ministers.
Ok now I know what it is but what do they actually do?
The G8 represents only 14% of the world population yet has a large influence on making decisions for the UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO and OCED. Essentially the G8 is a group of the richest countries in the world that has formed an alliance to benefit the rich and powerful, and in the past has made decisions in support of trade and economic policies geared towards privatization, exploitation, removal of protection and social spending.
So When/Where is all of this happening?
This year Canada is playing host to the G8. The Development Ministers are meeting April 26th to April 28th here in Halifax. The meeting of Development Ministers will lay the foundations for proposals that will go to the Leaders Summit in June. A key discussion point will be the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that Canada, as Chair of this year’s G8 meeting, will champion a major initiative to improve maternal and child health in the world’s poorest regions.
But wait how does this relate to climate change?
G8/G20 countries have given over 200 billion dollars in subsidies to oil and coal manufacturers. Other than Mexico and Argentina, all the G20 countries have failed to meet carbon reduction targets. In December 2009, many of the G8/G20 countries undermined the goals of the UN Climate Change talks to develop a fair, ambitious, and legally-binding treaty. Climate change has displaced over 20 million people and put all animal and plant life at risk. Canada, where the G20 meets, houses 75% of the world’s mining companies that use nearly 10% of the world’s energy resources.
As youth of this country, we need to call out our elected officials and corporations that are exacerbating the climate crisis to say that they must stop endangering our future and the world we will inherit. As primary stakeholders in the climate crisis, we must actively call for a just and safe future for ourselves, our communities, and those that are being hit now and being hit hardest by climate change.
Sounds like a bunch of leaders making decisions without me… How can I get involved?
Our access to the G8 negotiations is already limited. The G8 process is incredibly undemocratic and we must let them know that they cannot make any decision about us without us. In a lead up to other events and convergence happening across Canada, a number of NGOs, labour unions and concerned citizens have banned together to march and rally against the G8. This is an opportunity to mobilize, gain momentum and get our voices heard.
Youth have a role in the climate movement and a larger people’s movement. The hope is to have a large youth presence at this rally. This is an opportunity for us to build relationships and alliances with individuals and organizations creating the world they want to see. This is an opportunity for us to make more allies and build our base. As youth, we are organizing ourselves and supporting mobilizations that call for the self-determination of all people and of our future.
When and where is this all happening?
Rally:
Date: Sunday, April 25th
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Starting at Victoria Park (Corner of South Park and Spring Garden), marching to Cornwallis Park (march starts at 2pm)
Speakers will address 5 key issues:
Womens’ Rights and Maternal Health
Development
Climate Change
Labour and the Economic Crisis
Social Inequity
Picket:
Date: Monday, April 26th
Time: 7:00 am to 9:30 am
Location: Cornwallis Park (Across from the Westin on Hollis St)
I’ve never been to a rally. I wouldn’t really call myself an activist!
Both events are peaceful demonstrations. If you are new to activism, don’t worry your not alone! However, I can guarantee that you will be blown away by the power of adding your voice to the movement. If you would like to get more involved in planning of actions please contact: Meghan Larson, meghan.larson@gmail.com for more information
Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what Halifax Youth did in the call to action before Copenhagen last year.
Introducing the Biggest Banner of All Time! 20+ Students from Dalhousie University marched a 45ft banner calling for “Climate Action NOW” through the streets of downtown Halifax.
As part of the nation wide Climate Crew actions, Dalhousie students stood in solidarity of those most impacted by climate change.
What’s more embarrassing than dropping your pants in public? Canada’s lack of climate policies! Expect more creative and over the top actions from this dedicated group of youth in the next coming months.