This branch notes
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that this summer's UK heatwaves, drought and wildfires caused dangerous conditions in many workplaces, widespread damage and disruption and an estimated 1,300 excess deaths over three days during the peak of the late June heatwave;
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that the UK is 'built for a climate that no longer exists' with our homes, workplaces and infrastructure not fit to withstand either heatwaves and flooding
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that impacts of climate breakdown hit hardest those who have done least to cause the crisis: most recently in the devastating glacier collapse on the Tibet-Nepal border causing over 1,400 confirmed deaths and over 6,000 missing;
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that the unfolding El Niño event is unprecedented in its intensity and will add, on top of existing climate impacts, further extreme heat, drought, flooding and wildfires, and a high risk of a global food crisis;
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that these impacts are exacerbated by wars;
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that a rapid transition away from fossil fuels is needed to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown, but action so far has been inadequate;
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that there is an increasing right-wing backlash against climate action, both in the UK and globally
This branch believes:
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that the climate crisis is a working class issue, affecting our jobs, homes and communities
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that solutions need to be shaped by the working class, bringing benefits including cheap renewable energy, warm homes, affordable public transport and communities with green spaces and clean air
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that a comprehensive programme of climate jobs is needed, as proposed in "Climate Jobs: Building a Workforce for the Climate Emergency"
This branch further notes:
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the conference in London on 31 October, "No Non-Radical Futures Available: Winning for the Climate, Winning for Workers", hosted by the Campaign against Climate Change trade union group. The conference will focus on understanding the climate crisis and what we need for a liveable planet and a fairer society; making connections between the climate crisis and other issues; and defeating right-wing climate denial and misinformation.
The branch therefore resolves:
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to affiliate to the Campaign against Climate Change
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to encourage members to attend the conference on 31 October
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to notify the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group of this motion by emailing climatetradeunion@gmail.com
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Notes:
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Campaign against Climate Change affiliation fees: £50 for most branches and trades councils, £25 for branches with unwaged members, e.g. retired/Unite Community; national unions from £150, depending on size
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The Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group is part of the Campaign against Climate Change, working for the urgent action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. More information is available at cacctu.org.uk, activities include:
- Developing understanding within the trade union movement of why climate justice is a trade union issue: the unequal impacts of climate breakdown and fossil fuel pollution, both globally and locally.
- Identifying and sharing effective solutions: Just Transition, climate jobs, and a National Climate Service, with a focus on linking social justice and climate justice.
- Identifying ‘false solutions’ to the climate crisis which have negative environmental and/or social outcomes and informing debates about these within the trade union movement.
- Bringing trade union voices into the environmental and climate movement.
- Working with other campaign and civil society groups to build effective demonstrations with a visible trade union presence calling for climate action.
- The conference is being held at the Crowndale Centre, London NW1 1BD, on Saturday 31 October. Find out more and book tickets: actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/no-non-radical-futures-available/.