Tell the G20 to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies Now

Our tax dollars are being used to subsidize massive oil companies that are making astronomical profits. Big Oil is not only responsible for climate change they are using their record-breaking profits on massive misinformation campaigns and political influence. A growing number of people are seeking to put an end to this $600 billion dollar a year travesty. One of those groups is Avaaz.org, they are organizing a protest against Big Oil when the G20 convenes in Washington and a petition to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies. The following is an excerpt of an Avaaz.org article and call to action called Paid to Pollute:

Contaminated Water Kills

Water is vital for life and its growing scarcity is a threat to all life, particularly the world's poor. Since World War II, contaminated water has killed more people around the globe than all wars and other forms of violence combined.

Contaminated water is the result of increased pollution, increased water demand, and the corporate control of water access.

On July 28th, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognizes access to clean water and sanitation as a human right. The resolution called on States and international organizations to provide financial resources, build capacity and transfer technology, particularly to developing countries, in scaling up efforts to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all.

Despite their reticence, privileged of nations must accept their responsibility to help others gain equal access to clean water and sanitation.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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China Wants a Global Climate Change Treaty in 2011 Blames US

China wants to see a global binding climate change treaty by late 2011. In the China Economic Times, Li Gao, a senior Chinese negotiator on climate change, said the US was to blame for making a deal on global warming impossible in Cancun in 2010. Mr. Li said that his government hopes for a binding climate treaty in South Africa in November, 2011.

Mr. Li oversees the international climate change negotiations office at China's National Development and Reform Commission, the agency that steers economy policy. Mr. Li vowed to keep pressing rich countries to promise deeper cuts to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from human activity.

"The biggest obstacle comes from the United States," he said. "Without any (climate change) legislation, it can't possibly join in a legally binding international document."

China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases from human activity, but with 1.3 billion people, it is also a developing country with average emissions per capita well below those of wealthy economies.

Mr. Li said Beijing would keep pressing for certain principles, including that developing countries like China should not shoulder the same absolute caps on emissions as rich countries.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.