Energy transition and climate justice are key concerns for civil society groups that met this week in Rio de Janeiro, during the preparatory meeting for the G20 Social Summit. The first proposals in the document, which will be delivered to G20 countries in November, highlight the importance of national climate change plans that focus on adaptation and building resilience among the most vulnerable.
Among the entities that participated in this topic were the National Council of Extractive Populations (CNS), the Climate and Society Institute, Sindipetro-RS, Grupo Carta de Belém, Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT), the Brazilian Association of NGOs (Abong), the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST), the Central Única das Favelas (Cufa) Movement, and the United Federation of Oil Workers (FUP).
The president of the Central Unica das Favelas (COFA) organization in Rio de Janeiro, Brito Zizi (pictured), highlighted the importance of popular participation in the G20 social meeting, noting that 20 million people live in the communities.
“It is essential that people who are affected by Brazil’s dilemmas and challenges, inequality, human rights, environmental issues, can participate, be heard, and have their ideas reach the hands of managers.”
Civil society proposals will be on the platform. Brazil ParticipatoryFrom this basic text, anyone in the world who registers can make suggestions. The final document will be sent to the G20 Social Summit (the international economic cooperation forum that brings together 19 countries and the European Union), scheduled for November 14-16.
The group’s proposals reflect a vision of sustainability that integrates social justice, environmental protection and active community engagement, seeking to influence the G20 global agenda for more inclusive and resilient governance. The need to integrate social and environmental issues into economic decarbonization policies was also emphasized.
Initial proposals
Climate finance. The group argued that nature should not be financed, but treated as a public good. They proposed that G20 countries lead a process to increase climate finance commitments, with new and additional resources, targeting in particular developing countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Artificial intelligence and data. They propose creating a national environmental data system, with public and private data, to facilitate dialogue between national and local levels, and to promote the generation of state-recognized citizen data.
Just the energy transition. They suggested that the G20 work to promote universal and equitable access to clean energy, with decentralized and distributed generation. They recommended precautionary measures to protect ecosystems and local communities, including a global moratorium on oil and gas.
Protect coastal biodiversity. They proposed a just energy transition for the artisanal fishing sector, with wind farms closed. outside affecting biodiversity and traditional communities.
Social participation. They advocate a just transition with broad social participation, including trade unions and associations, ensuring collective bargaining and decent work, with particular attention to children and adolescents.
Ecological agriculture and forest protection: They recommend a transition to ecological agriculture, with divestment from activities that destroy forests and redirecting investments to alternatives that ensure forest protection and the demarcation of indigenous lands.
