Guest Blog: Update from the Climate Jobs Caravan Team
The Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group has a successful history of involving trade unions in climate campaigning - including the production of the One Million Climate Jobs pamphlet which sets out the changes we need to avoid catastrophic climate change. Inspired by the Trans-Africa Caravan of Hope to Durban, we thought of organising a Climate Jobs Caravan around the UK, stopping off at perhaps a dozen cities on route. This might seem an ambitious plan...
...however, what will actually happen in May is not one but two caravans (vans, as low-carbon as feasible, of course!) travelling simultaneously, visiting around two dozen towns and cities, ranging from Glasgow to Plymouth to Norwich. (See here for routes)
The response from trade unionists, campaign groups and individuals has been excellent; there are some exciting events planned: publicity stunts, open air talks, film showings and public meetings. Trade unionists and environmentalists are getting involved, as well as councils (in Manchester the council leader will speak at the public meeting) and students planning university events.
All the details of the events will be posted here as they are finalised.
None of this could happen without the energy, enthusiam and creativity of our local partners, with particular thanks to those who have persuaded their union branch, district or region to support the tour finanicially! If your union might help us meet the costs, download a suggested motion here
If you think you could help out in any way, get in touch with your local organisers or email by clicking here. At the time of writing, we are still looking for drivers for many parts of the tour - please let us know if you can help! Most distances on Route 1 are reasonably short. There are some longer distances on Route 2, however many are also short. Accommodation and expenses to cover food will provided.
Finally, what happens after the caravan moves on? We hope that in most places this will not be a one-off event but will start (or continue) campaigning on climate and jobs. Some areas might want to follow the example of Sheffield, where a petition calling for the creation of 10,000 climate jobs in city collected 2,500 signatures. This meant that it went before the City Council, and they are now working with the Scrutiny Board to look at ways in which the proposals could be implemented.
Watch this space for more news!
You also can keep updated by following us on Twitter or joining the One Million Climate Jobs Facebook group.