Unlocking the Path to a Sustainable Future: G20's Groundbreaking Collaboration with Civil SocietyThe G20 Social's virtual event on June 26th, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the global pursuit of a just transition. Bringing together international civil society, the discussions centered around actions to promote a fair and equitable shift towards sustainability, with a particular focus on the crucial role of environmental and climate funds. This unprecedented collaboration between the Finance Track and civil society organizations has paved the way for innovative solutions and a more inclusive approach to addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

Empowering Communities, Driving Sustainable Change

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Climate Investors and Grassroots Initiatives

The Sustainable Finance Working Group, led by Ivan Oliveira, the Undersecretary of Financing for Sustainable Development at Brazil's Ministry of Finance, has been diligently crafting a comprehensive toolbox to facilitate a just transition. This toolbox features 12 exemplary initiatives from diverse sectors and scenarios across different countries, offering a wealth of replicable instruments that can be leveraged to support developing nations in their pursuit of sustainability.Tara Daniel from the Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) emphasized the fundamental importance of bringing climate investors directly to the projects and initiatives led by relevant stakeholders, particularly those in developing countries. By understanding the specific demands and needs of these communities, often the most marginalized yet transformative, the financing can be channeled more efficiently and effectively, aligning with the principles of human rights and gender equality.

Ensuring Equitable Burden-Sharing: Taxing the Polluters

Camila Jardim from Greenpeace underscored the need for a clear and fair approach to who should bear the costs of the climate crisis. She advocated for a taxation system that holds the largest fossil fuel producers accountable, stating that if these major polluters were taxed, an additional 0 billion could be generated annually by 2030 to fund climate mitigation and adaptation measures.This call for equitable burden-sharing resonates with the broader discussions within the G20 framework. The Environmental and Climate Sustainability Working Group has been exploring the Tropical Forests Forever initiative, a Brazilian government proposal announced at COP28 last year. This innovative global fund aims to provide financial incentives for the maintenance and restoration of tropical rainforests, which are crucial carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

Embracing Agroecology: A Holistic Approach to a Just Transition

The second session of the virtual event delved into the concept of a just transition, acknowledging that the impacts of climate change are felt disproportionately across different countries and social groups due to underlying social inequalities. Jesús Vásquez from Via Campesina highlighted the transformative potential of agroecology, a science-based, ancestral knowledge-driven system that can provide abundant and healthy food while respecting the rights of people and promoting food sovereignty.Maiara Folly from Plataforma Cipó emphasized the critical role of technology in facilitating a just transition. However, she noted the imbalance in the distribution of sustainable energy technology patents, with just four countries – Germany, the United States, India, and Japan – accounting for the majority of these patents and employment in the field. The G20, she argued, must address this disparity to ensure a more equitable and inclusive transition.

Aligning the Global Economy with Sustainability: The Sherpa Track's Contributions

The G20's Sherpa Track has also been actively engaged in addressing the various aspects of a just transition. The Employment Working Group, for instance, has been focusing on the impacts on workers, with the topic of "The Imperative of a Just Transition" being the centerpiece of discussions at the recent meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, within the scope of the 112th International Labour Conference.The cycle of meetings, which invited civil society to contribute their ideas and suggestions within the Finance Track, represents an unprecedented initiative by the Brazilian G20 presidency. This collaborative approach has enabled the exchange of diverse perspectives and the promotion of innovative solutions, further strengthening the G20's commitment to aligning the global economy with the goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.