G8: No more empty words

Catholic leaders from around the globe lobby the G8 in 2007. [CAFOD/Marcin Mazur]

CAFOD calls on G8 leaders not to "water down" their promises to the poorest in the world

The leaders of the world’s richest nations - the G8 - are being reminded of their past promises on aid and debt as they meet in Tokyo from 7-9 July.

They are also urged to address the impact that new challenges, such as climate change and the global food crisis, are having on the poor.

Promises are off-track

Chris Bain, CAFOD director, says: "G8 leaders need to keep their promises - most of them are off-track in their commitments on aid to the developing world.

"In the midst of a global food crisis and during an economic slow down, the needs of the poor are even greater.

"This is not the time for G8 leaders to water down their promises to the poorest in the world.

"In 2005 the G8 promised to increase annual aid provision by $50 billion by 2010; on current trends they will miss their own target by $30 billion."

"Climate change is a growing threat. Industrialised countries have produced the vast majority of carbon emissions but climate change is already hitting people in the poorest countries hardest.

"Over the past year we have witnessed the devastating affects of cyclones in Bangladesh and Burma, as the world heats up more extreme weather patterns are predicted."

"We want to see G8 leaders make new funding available so developing countries don’t have to pick up the bill for adapting to climate change.

"And G8 countries need to make significant commitments to reduce carbon emissions in their own countries."

Bishops challenge leaders

In a joint public letter, the Bishops' Conferences in all G8 nations pressed the world leaders to deepen their commitment to reduce poverty and tackle global climate change.

The Bishops highlight climate change as an issue of justice and a matter for urgent action because of “a special concern for the impact of climate change on the poor” and in order “to protect God’s creation”.

The letter warns that “the poor, who have contributed least to the human activities that aggravate global climate change, are likely to experience a disproportionate share of its harmful effects”.

It urges that “the costs of initiatives to prevent and adapt to the harmful consequences of climate change should be borne more by richer persons and nations.”

A statement from Caritas agencies across the world accompanies the letter which makes detailed recommendations on issues including aid, debt and climate change.

The statement also lays out a challenge to G8 leaders, urging them to show “wisdom, solidarity and far-sightedness as they address the problems of poverty, dangerous climate change and insecurity that threaten our world.”

Wishing for a better world

Thousands of people worldwide have been taking action online in solidarity with Japanese campaigners.

They have been marking the traditional Japanese Tanabata festival, where people make wishes for the future and tie them to bamboo trees, by sending their "wishes" for a better world to G8 leaders.

This year the Tanabata festival coincides with the start of the G8 summit.