At the recent G8 summit in Japan, leaders of the world’s most powerful nations established a non-binding goal of cutting global greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Thanks to many of you who signed Oxfam's petition to G8 leaders asking them to take action on climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities.
While heartening to see the United States finally committing to some (again, non-binding) reductions, the pledges fall far short. Oxfam climate change policy spokesperson Antonio Hill said, “At this rate, by 2050 the world will be cooked and the G8 leaders will be long forgotten.... We need 80% cuts of 1990 levels by 2050 and emissions to peak and start falling by 2015..... The G8’s announcement on 2050 is just another stalling tactic that does nothing to lower the risk faced by millions of poor people right now.”
Learn more by reading Oxfam's account of the summit, view photos of the famous 'big heads' in action (click on slide show), and see the letter signed by celebrities like Minnie Driver and Scarlett Johansson asking G8 leaders to make poverty and climate change a priority [link to PDF].
The G8's insufficient promises are all the more reason for you to tell our leaders why strong action is needed now! Subscribe to our listserv to learn about action opportunities in Minnesota, check out the calendar for upcoming events you can volunteer at, and e-mail us with your thoughts on standing up for climate justice.
Take a Run or Talk to a Runner for Oxfam at Minnesota's Green RaceYou don't have to break a sweat to make a difference at the Urban Wildland Half Marathon & 5K race. Volunteer with Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota at our outreach table! We'll be spreading the word on lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. For those willing to go the extra mile, or in this case, half a marathon or 5k, let us know and we'll equip you and your jersey with Oxfam regalia. Two Oxfam volunteers are already in training. The race is on Saturday, August 2 in Richfield beginning at 7am. Contact us to get involved. If you're planning on running, register with the organizers immediately.
Have you watched the new YouTube video?
It's three minutes well spent! You'll hear from those already being hit hard by climate change. The video is eye-opening and motivating.
