Show Up & Speak Out: G20 Summit in Asheville
Stand up and speak out against the Trump administration’s warped priorities during the G20 global financial summit in Asheville, by joining us in a series of actions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 28-30.
Boost the crowd for a show of solidarity at our opening Press Conference, Friday at 6pm at Pack Square, then Line the Streets on Saturday from 11 to 2 along the 500-700 blocks of Merrimon Avenue. Come together on Sunday from 4 to 6 pm at Pack Square for a big Community Celebration and Vigil.
Background
The US presides over the G20 Summit this year in cities across the country. From August 29 to September 1, Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the G20 nations will meet in Asheville to discuss global financial priorities.
The WNC Alignment Table, which includes Indivisible Asheville/WNC, has something to say about those priorities.
Why Asheville?
“The selection of historic Asheville reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to the revitalization and resilience of western North Carolina, which continues to rebuild after the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.” -Treasury Secretary Bessent
The Trump Administration’s commitment?
WNC sustained losses totaling an estimated $60B, with 43 deaths in Buncombe County, 9,000 homes and many businesses destroyed, over a million trees down and 53 days without potable water.
Governor Cooper asked for $25.6B in federal assistance, comparable to the 48% average locales have received in other major disasters. President Biden made generous promises, but then came Hurricane Milton, wildfires in California, a new administration, and DOGE. As of March 31, we had received just $7.8B from the federal government. (Asheville Watchdog(opens in new tab), Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery(opens in new tab)) Much of our recovery grew from the efforts of neighbors and local nonprofits and volunteers.
G20 carbon emissions fueled Hurricane Helene
The G20 countries represent two-thirds of the world’s population and produce 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. They have set targets for reducing emissions by 2030 but are not on track to meet those targets. (World Resources Institute(opens in new tab)) Climate change made Hurricane Helene rainier and more powerful — and increases the likelihood of such storms. (NPR(opens in new tab))
Recent G20 Summits(opens in new tab) in Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, New Delhi and Rome have emphasized sustainable development, eliminating hunger, combating climate change, achieving gender equality — goals that benefit people at all income strata.
With the Trump administration presiding, this year’s G20 priorities include none of these things. Nothing about the costs of war and climate change, income inequity, or global debt relief. In their place? Limiting regulation to unleash prosperity. Secure energy supply chains (hmmm). Pioneering innovations in AI. Good for...some.
The WNC Alignment Table’s events mean to raise awareness of the G20 and provide a counter narrative.
Action
What are your global priorities? What would you have the G20 Finance Track focus on? Make your signs and come out in force! Some suggested sign messaging:
- Schools, not prisons
- Healthcare, not bombs
- Safety, not surveillance
- Nature, not data centers
- Renewables, not fossil fuels
- Communities, not corporations
We hope to see you at these events, signs in hand!