Transcript Trade Unions and Climate Change

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A1-02570
Trade Union Training on Occupational Health and Safety and HIV/AIDS
(Inter-regional Course: Africa and the Caribbean)
(Turin, 27 September to 8 October 2010)
Trade Unions and Climate Change
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Climate refers to the average weather condition
experienced over a long period, typically 30
years.
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The earth’s climate is not static and has
changed many times in response to a variety of
causes.
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The term “climate change” refers to changes that
have been observed in climatic conditions since
the early 1900s.
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Why is the climate changing?
Why is the climate changing?
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The changes in global climate are due to a
combination of both natural and human causes.
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The earth’s climate varies naturally as a result of
interactions in the energies received from the
sun and volcanic eruptions.
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Natural causes:
Why is the climate changing?
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The global atmospheric concentration of CO2, has
increased remarkably due to fossil fuel use and land use
change, while those of CH4 and N2O are primarily due to
agriculture.
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Rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases give rise
to increase temperatures.
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Human causes:
 The main human influence on global climate is likely to
be the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4,
N2O, etc.
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Global warming, i.e. the rise in temperatures is
one of the multiple consequences of climate
change.
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The rise in atmospheric temperature has over
the years aggravated the in rise in the level of
the oceans and multiplication of extreme
weather events such as floods, droughts, heat
waves, cyclones, etc. much to the detriment of
humanity.
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Consequences of Climate Change
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Some of the major global weather events have had
devastating effects on humanity in terms of:
- Loss of lives and livelihoods.
- Destruction of settlements, farming communities and
vital infrastructure.
- Displacement of population
- Aggravated the incidence of water borne diseases,
food scarcity, malnutrition and hunger.
- Loss of biodiversity.
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Greater variability in precipitation patterns may
compromise the supply of freshwater and increase the
incidence of waterborne diseases.
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Consequences of Climate Change
Consequences of Climate Change
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In Africa, climate change is likely to reduce:
- Water availability
- Areas suitable for agriculture
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- Yields for rain-fed agriculture
- Fishery resources.
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Consequences of Climate Change
In Latin America, climate change will reduce:
- Water availability
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Increase flooding
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Yields for agriculture; and
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Cause loss of biodiversity in tropical and
semi-arid areas.
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The negative impact of climate change on
employment are likely to arise from extreme
weather events (droughts, cyclone, floods and
sea rise).
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Damages to infrastructure and settlements due
to flooding and cyclone:
- Affects the ability of workers to access their
workplaces;
- Causes displacement of workplaces.
- Impacts on the health and productivity of
workers.
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Effects of Climate Change on Employment
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Extreme drought negatively affects farming and
agricultural production.
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Water and food scarcity compel affected
population to migrate (environmental refugees).
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Workplaces i.e. farmlands become unsuitable for
farming and will lay waste as people migrate.
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Effects of Climate Change on Employment
Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change
Trade unions have:
Urged governments not to back from the pledge to
tackle global warming and uphold the mandate of
the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
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Also, urged governments to address the links
between climate change, employment and
sustainable development.
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Stressed the need for climate justice, the defence of
rights and social protection crucial to a fair and
sustainable transition.
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Acknowledged that they are part of the solution
and are fully aware of their responsibilities regarding
workers and future generations.
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Undertaken actions towards the environment and
society by holding governments accountable for the
pledge to reduce global greenhouse gas emission to
85% lower than their 1990 levels by the year 2050.
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Begun to advance an agenda towards a low-carbon
economy and a fair society: the end of the false
choice.
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Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change
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Expressed determination to work towards the
transformation of all jobs into environmentallyfriendly and socially-decent jobs (Green Jobs).
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Urged developed countries to take the lead in
emission reductions.
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Called for an equitable sharing of the responsibility
regarding climate protection and emission reduction.
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Emphasised the need for relevant pre-job and on-the-job
training for workers and assistance for their reintegration into
the labour market through active labour market policies.
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Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change
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ITUC General Council in December 2007 took a decision
to establish a Trade Union Task Force with mandate to
raise the public profile of climate-related social issues
(employment, income, mitigation, adaptation, wealth,
etc.).
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Sustainlabour Foundation has put in place an ambitious
capacity building programme on labour and environment
that delivers training opportunities for trade unionists on
climate change in Africa, Latin America and Asia.
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In 2007, trade unions created an Ad Hoc Working Group
on Climate Change in order to provide necessary followup to UNFCCC negotiations.
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Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change
Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change
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ITUC is actively involved in the “Green Jobs:
Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable Low-carbon
World Campaign.”
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Green jobs are jobs which contribute to a reduction
of the emission impact of enterprises and economic
sectors.
Trade unions continue to agitate for proactive and
sustainable policies aimed at guaranteeing decent
incomes for all.
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Trade unions have urged governments and employers to
guarantee workers’ rights:
To participate in climate change decision-making
process.
To know and be aware about the environmental
hazards in the workplace.
As whistleblower not to be held liable or be
disciplined for reporting workplace practices that are
honestly believed to pose an environmental risk.
To refuse dangerous work which harms the
environment.
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Trade Unions’ Action on Climate Change