The UN climate change talks (or COP - Conference of Parties) meet annually and this is the 21st meeting. This year, the stakes are high as it is the last opportunity for an agreement on climate change with binding (rather than voluntary) targets on greenhouse gas emissions.
The ITF held an event on Thursday looking at developing a model of public transport that not only promotes climate justice through reduced pollution and emissions but also creates green jobs and social equality.
International vice president of ITF-affiliate the Amalgamated Transit Union Bruce Hamilton was on the event panel. He said: "Organised labour is well positioned to lead on climate and the creation of a just society. We know what the problem is, we know we have the solution, we have to work on building the political will.
“Unions need to develop strategies for the expansion of public transport, as part of a transition to a zero-carbon future. There must be public investment to build new mass transit infrastructure and we need to work with the urban planners to make sure public transport is available to everyone regardless of where they live.”
On Monday there will be a public meeting - co-sponsored by the ITF - featuring UK Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Canadian social activist Naomi Klein. The event will bring together trade unions and their allies to discuss their role in the urgent and ongoing need for action and leadership around climate change.
Prior to being elected Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn issued a clear commitment to an energy transition that is “open, democratic, sustainable and accountable”.
Meanwhile Naomi Klein has urged unions and their allies to step up their efforts to establish a new approach of dealing with climate change that fits within a system where ordinary working people have some say and control in society.
You can stream the event live. Check here for details.
Follow the ITF at COP21 on the climate change blog: www.ITFclimatechangeblog.org and on twitter @ITFglobalunion #COP21 #unions4climate
