G20 Summit 2009 Pittsburgh

Leaders of 20 of the world's most powerful nations meet in Pittsburgh this week for the G20 Summit. We are calling for action on climate change and aid, and are reporting live, offering the Canadian perspective.

What we're calling for

Here's what must be at the top of the G20's to-do list:

Help poor countries adapt to climate change

Poor countries need $50bn-a-year from rich nations to adapt to climate change and develop in a sustainable way. Millions of women and men living in poverty are already losing lives, livelihoods and homes as a result of climate change, which is threatening to reverse reductions in global poverty.

Act now: Existing aid is not enough

Existing aid is not enough to protect poor people from climate change, the economic crisis and rising food prices. The G20 needs to act now to ensure recent gains in reducing poverty are not reversed.

African governments face a fiscal black hole and are under pressure to cut spending on schools and healthcare. The G20 needs to respond by delivering existing aid promises and do more to help protect poor people from the economic crisis. They should also find innovative ways to boost poor country economies without hitting rich country taxpayers.

Oxfam Canada's Policy Coordinator, Mark Fried is in Pittsburgh reporting to us daily via hisblogon all the happenings- tune in daily for his update!

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