Friday, July 7, 2017
G20 summit kicks off amid protests
More than 100,000 people are expected to join protests in Hamburg, Germany, where world leaders are gathering for the two-day G20 summit to discuss trade and economic policies. While protests surrounding the G20 have come to be expected, this year’s demonstrations are making headlines for turning violent.
As in the past, activists are taking to the streets to oppose capitalism and the global inequalities it’s caused, with greater focus on environmental issues.
African countries are starting their own funds to fight climate change
They’re picking up the slack. Anticipating that wealthy countries will fall far short of their pledge to donate $100 billion per year to the Global South by 2020, developing countries are setting up their own funds to fight climate change. Following Bangladesh’s lead, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are drawing up their own plans to finance climate action.
While setting up national funds may mean more autonomy for developing countries, the Global North must hold up its end of the bargain.
A 2015 report reveals that G20 countries account for nearly three-quarters of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
New café in Lebanon brings rival neighborhoods together
Located on the border between two rival neighborhoods in Tripoli, Lebanon, Kahwetna Café is bringing former enemies together over a good ol’ cup of joe. Besides providing employment to young people, the new coffee shop is becoming a space of reconciliation and creativity as they work to bring an end to decades of violence.