As big economies gather in Hamburg for the first G20 meeting since Donald Trump announced his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Christian Aid has called on leaders to show the US President that he has relegated himself to the side-lines of climate change negotiations.
Mohamed Adow, Christian Aid’s International Climate Lead, said: “The Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has backfired. Far from undermining the Agreement, he has driven climate change to the top of the geopolitical agenda.
“Angela Merkel has made this G20 summit a test of leadership. We’re seeing a new constellation of diplomatic leaders, led by China and Europe, coming together to form a progressive climate alliance. At this summit, Donald Trump must realise that he has walked away from the top table on an issue of major international importance – on climate change he stands alone.
“The best way for the remaining ‘G19’ to defend the Paris Agreement is to enact promises within it. Trump has made his choice: it’s time for the other leaders to get down to business. By delivering on the pledges enshrined in the accord they will demonstrate its effectiveness, and have a fighting chance to stay on a safe course.
“The moment has now come for major economy leaders to shift gears from rhetoric to hard action and get on with the business at hand, towards a clean, sustainable and resilient global economy.
"Christian Aid wants to see leaders commit to making a big shift in the flow of global finance – away from dirty energy sources like coal, and towards green investment.
“This G20 also presents a test for Theresa May. Last month she gave only a soft slap on the wrist to Trump’s reckless act: but with her international reputation in the balance, she must publicly show that on climate change she has far more in common with the rest of the world than with Donald Trump and join other leaders in defending and advancing the Paris Agreement.”
Notes to editors:
1. Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in around 40 countries at any one time. We act where there is great need, regardless of religion, helping people to live a full life, free from poverty. We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance in tackling the root causes of poverty as well as its effects.
2. Christian Aid’s core belief is that the world can and must be changed so that poverty is ended: this is what we stand for. Everything we do is about ending poverty and injustice: swiftly, effectively, sustainably. Our strategy document Partnership for Change explains how we set about this task.
3. Christian Aid is a member of ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 130 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development.
