Movements call on G20 govts and central banks to use public money for a #JustRecovery – Saudi Gazette

Movements call on G20 govts and central banks to use public money for a #JustRecovery – Saudi Gazette

LONDON “” Ahead of two important meetings of rich country governments this week, climate activists all over the world are mobilizing online and offline to call for a just recovery.

National governments and central banks representatives at the European Council on July 16-17 and the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bankers meeting on July 18, will discuss sweeping measures to tackle the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trillions of dollars are being put on the table as the EU prepares to approve a 750 billion EUR Recovery Fund and G20 countries are each deploying hundreds of billions in public money to soften the blow of the recession.

New research, carried out by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and other 14 partners confirms that, throughout the pandemic, G20 countries have already handed over or earmarked over $150 billion for fossil fuels and other polluting industries.

A broad coalition of climate activists, trade unions, economists and advocates for social, gender and racial justice is calling instead for recovery plans to include strong decarbonization, equity and justice elements.

"This is a choice point for rich governments and central bankers. The economic recession calls for an unprecedented mobilization of public resources “” they have a