350.org, Groups Demand Govts. Tackle Covid-19

By Chuks Ekpeneru

350.org has joined over 300 organisations across the globe to demand that governments apply five core principles to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

The groups in a press release co-signed by Indigenous Peoples organisations, labour groups and unions, feminist organisations, development agencies, climate and environmental NGOs, health, youth, and religious bodies and local activist groups from every continent demanded to ensure that people and the environment are protected by government actions and pave the way for a just recovery.

“The demands are being delivered to key global decision-makers, including Christine Lagarde at the ECB, as well as being heavily promoted online.

According to Executive Director of 350.org, May Boeve: “The COVID-19 pandemic demands swift and unprecedented action from national governments and the international community. Choices being made right now will shape our society for years, if not decades to come. The choices must put people first, and must also accelerate our action against the climate crisis.”

The principles outlined in the demands are: That health of all people is the top priority; Economic relief targets people directly; Assistance goes to workers and communities not executives; Stimulus creates resilience for future crises, particularly climate; The response builds solidarity and community and does not empower authoritarians; and Policy-makers at all levels are grappling with how to confront the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts.

“The organisations signing on to the statement will be undertaking campaigns in their own national and local spheres, as well as pressuring international decision-makers.

“This virus proves how interconnected we are. The solutions we come up with now must ensure that no one is left behind – we need a truly interconnected global approach which first and foremost invests in the safety and health of all people; but which does not lose sight of the necessary project of transitioning our economies away from coal, oil, and gas at the same time,” said Brett Fleishman, Head of 350.org Finance Campaigns.

“The types of responses envisioned by the signatories include scaled up investment in healthcare systems, direct cash payments and transfers to people, improved working conditions and rights, and ‘green’ strings (i.e. incentives to take climate action) in any stimulus funding provided to corporations and businesses.”

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG