How can workers get a ‘just transition’ amid the climate crisis? | The Stream

Labour unions worldwide have for decades been on the frontline of efforts to restore, protect and improve worker rights. But as the global climate crisis intensifies, they are demanding a worker-friendly green future.

Environmental organisations have for years lobbied governments to swiftly move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and now a growing number of labour movements is pushing for a ‘just transition’ where workers have a voice. The International Labour Organization will also discuss ways to achieve such a transition during its annual conference starting June 5.

In a recent sign of how labour organisations are prioritising climate change, the Canadian Labour Congress’ annual convention heard from climate-focused union representatives who warned of the impact of wildfires and floods on working people. The union later pledged support for clean energy and green industrial policies that will guarantee workers dependable union jobs.

Labour unions are also allying with environmental groups to call the public’s attention to the climate emergency. In April, labour unions joined the Big One, a mass demonstration in London led by Extinction Rebellion.

But some unions are nonetheless wary about what the future holds for working people amid the transition to low-carbon energy sources. South Africa’s National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) is among those who have expressed concerns that a recent energy transition investment deal between the country’s government and several western nations will see increased privatisation of the energy sector and endanger jobs. The union is calling for a renewable energy sector under public ownership.

In this episode of The Stream, we’ll look at how labour unions are fighting for workers amid the climate crisis and ask what’s needed to achieve a truly just transition from fossil fuels.

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[asifshah]

A good program! I liked the term” stubborn optimism “. However, each case scenario is different and one has to know at what cost the “ stubborn optimism “ should be maintained.

[trampronald]

Ecads initiative from Uganda.
let us protect environment

[OldScientist]

There has been a 10% decline in natural disasters since 2000 (CRED). Normalised disaster losses have decreased since 1990 and human mortality due to extreme weather has decreased by more than 95% since 1920.
There is no climate crisis.

[MakiMokate]

Coal mine plants can be converted to RE plant and workers to be trained to make solar panels

[SkyEarth]

why are climate crisis regulation strategies targeting against Arab and Africa?

[ScammedbyFolrentinaConchas]

So man things he can control the climate🤣he can't even control the economy or himself.

[trampronald]

My question is if I have a project of planting 1million tree plants in ten districts how can I be helped

[shabeebkaringappara]

anyone thought of planting more trees?

[Thaddeus]

let's wrap every issue possible into the climate issue as possible 😅😅😅

[aaACEa]

Weak Sustainability versus Strong Sustainability concepts.

As much as the social factor/implication must be considered throughout the transition, the nature/environment are of prime. To optimise the transition and cushion it's perceived 'implications', more to do with the society by seeking to lifestyle changes towards reducing the dependency on such industry.

[fowzia]

Daily dhikr
Hadith whoever remembers Allah Allah remembers you no matter how small it is
Allahu akbar
LAILAHA ilalahu Muhammadurasoolullah
Subhanallah
alhamdulilah
Astaghfirullah
Allahumma ajirni minan naar
Hasbunallahu wanimal wakeel
LA quwata ila bila hil aliul Azim
Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azim
LA ilalaha ilalahu Wahdahu LA sharikalahu walahul hamdu yuhyi wayumeetu biyadahil khair wahuwaala kulli shayin qadeer 3rd kalimah
ayatul kursi💕

[luisamiranda]

Workers can get a just transition amid the climate crisis but we must first have a technology that substitutes the fossil fuel plants technology that feeds their workplace. Our main target are our gigantic cities and industrial arenas. We must go back in history to unearth, dig up and select Nikola Teslas' patents, pictures, the layout of his 1893 fair plant technology where he did not use fossil fuel and build it, air, solar, and, electric cars, must be kept up until the transition is complete. Make money collections if no grants are given, engineers and universities in our Climate Active Group will gladly cooperate and with AI and algorithms the better to build and run plants, scatter small plants, and use the same cable distribution system for now. The heating of the planet is unbearable all is dying, there is no place to run no matter how much money you have.

[aaACEa]

The workers need to know, while they're mostly dependent on such industry (the conventional), they are least beneficiaries of the benefits whereas climate effects are spread to all...irrespectively.

[tankisolengoabala]

Why climate change is not introduced at big polluters where is needed most eg America, UK and China.Why only African is targeted with this idea.

[boydambana]

Is robotics at odds with the concept of just transition?

[rebeccapretorius]

The reason nothing can be done quickly in South Africa is because it takes time to organize bribes and payoffs.

[NoWindNoSunNoPower]

How will workers work when there’s no energy?

PS. There is no climate crisis, global or otherwise.

[williamearnshaw]

Workers are just slaves to big business. Nothing is "fair"....Govts and big business have never been "fair". Hence wages have always been eroded while business and govts prosper...