Monday 11 March 2024

Climate Jobs, Climate Justice: What struggles do we need to win and how?


Join our trade union conference on Saturday 13 April:

Climate Jobs, Climate Justice: What struggles do we need to win and how?
The climate crisis is more real, and has a bigger impact on our lives, every day. Around the world, those who have contributed least to the crisis, suffer the most.
The climate crisis is a class issue and a trade union issue. There is an urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions to ensure we are not engulfed by temperature rises which make our societies, lives and livelihoods impossible because of the impact of extreme weather.
The biggest block to this change is the power and influence of corporations and governments representing them. They make huge profits for a minority out of an economic system wedded to fossil fuels.
Fighting for a huge transformation of the economy in the interests of people and the planet should be at the top of the trade union agenda. But it isn't. So how do we make sure the strength of the working class and trade union movement is at the heart of tackling the climate emergency?
Part of the answer is in knowing what arguments and battles currently divide and weaken us and how we win these. Part of the answer lies in being part of a global movement of international solidarity standing with the struggles of the oppressed for justice. Come and join us for this important conference.
Venue: Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London NW1 1BD - many thanks to Camden Unison for their support
Timing: 11.00-16.45 (registration from 10.30)
Discussions to include:
Opening plenary:
What’s the balance sheet on climate in trade unions? Are we going backwards in the trade union movement?
Workshops (morning)
A National Climate Service - why the market can’t deliver a plan for the climate.
Greenwash and Jobswash - the false solutions which trade unions should oppose, not support, and why it matters
Climate Justice and Palestine - no climate justice on occupied land
Climate, Jobs and Public Services - fighting for public services and public ownership and a transport system that delivers for people and planet
Workshops (afternoon)
Sustainable food production and decent work - organising across the food system
War, fossil fuels and climate - why defence diversification is a key battle for the climate :
Ending fossil fuels and renewable energy - what would a workers plan for energy look like?
Racism and migration - social justice and climate justice for North and South
Final Plenary:
Summing up the day and looking ahead - an election year for the climate
More details on speakers and workshops coming soon!
You can book tickets here
And share the Facebook event
This conference is organised by the Campaign against Climate Change trade union group. Apologies, our website cacctu.org.uk is down at the moment due to a security issue.

Thursday 29 February 2024

A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency

 



https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/trade-union-bargaining-guide-resource-efficiency

A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency

reduce, reuse, recycle
Author
Jo Rees Policy Officer (Wales TUC Education)
Report type
Research and reports
Issue date
19 Feb 2024
Introduction
This guide is aimed at trade union green or environmental reps and other trade union representatives who want to work with employers and members to reduce the environmental impact of their organisation through reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
In this guide the term ‘resource efficiency’ refers to using the planet’s limited resources in a sustainable manner, whilst minimising impacts on people and the environment.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY - WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

WHY IS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY A TRADE UNION ISSUE?

The extraction of the world’s resources is responsible for almost half of carbon emissions and around 80 % of biodiversity loss. Resources are now being extracted from the planet three times faster than in 1970. This is despite the fact that the population has only doubled in that time.
Due to increased consumption and demand, we are extracting the world’s resources faster than they can be restored, and some are in danger of being exhausted. Waste and pollution are being released faster than the planet is capable of absorbing it or breaking it down in to something harmless.
A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency
Photo credit: iStock
This is an issue for us as trade unionists because it is not compatible with sustainable development. It is also a social justice issue. It is well-documented that the more economically developed countries in the global north consume far more of the world’s resources than countries from the global south.
Excessive resource consumption and the waste generated also creates health and safety issues for workers and the wider community both here and abroad. For example, the production of laptops requires the extraction of rare earth minerals and every year a huge amount of toxic electronic waste is shipped to the global south causing damage to human health and eco-systems.
Urgent action to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste is needed to help us stay within our ‘planetary boundaries’. It can help us to address the climate and nature crisis and support sustainable development for all.
The move to a ‘circular economy’
‘linear’ and ‘circular’ economic systems
This graphic illustrates the differences between ‘linear’ and ‘circular’ economic systems
The Ellen Macarthur foundation has produced a short ‘explainer’ video on the basics of the circular economy
Zero waste?
The term zero waste means that no residual waste to goes to landfill and everything is either re-used or recycled. Zero waste seeks to eliminate rather than merely manage waste.
Why do we need a zero-waste, circular economy?What is the current picture on workplace waste?

WHAT IS THE LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK ON RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND WASTE?

Welsh Government Circular Economy strategyWales zero waste targetsNew recycling regulations in WalesThe waste hierarchyPreventing pollutionSocial Partnership and the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015)

TOOLS AND SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE WASTE

EMS systems and accreditation schemesLife cycle assessments

TAKING ACTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Waste auditsApply the waste hierarchyProcurement and purchasing reviewReview the organisation’s own products and processes (where applicable)Engaging with membersMaking a plan and setting targetAwareness raising

NEGOTIATING FOR CHANGE: MAKING THE BUSINESS CASE

Cost savingsCompetitiveness and access to new opportunitiesSecurityReputation and legal complianceAdvice and support is available

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY/WASTE - ACTION PLAN

Step 1: ResearchStep 2: EngageStep 3: PlanStep 4: NegotiateStep 5: Consolidate

SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION

Welsh Local AuthoritiesWRAP CymruBusiness WalesWG circular economy strategyCircular Communities CymruWales RecyclesEllen MacArthur FoundationFareShare CymruLibrary of thingsRepair cafesZero waste schoolsCommunity wood recycling
Food waste – what are the issues?
Food waste – what are the issues?
Urgent action is needed on food waste. Food waste has huge economic, social and environmental impacts.
The UN estimates that around one third of the world’s food is lost or wasted, and production of this wasted food generates 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. That is more than is produced by any individual country, except the US and China.
Food Waste
Photo credit: iStock
Food waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. And that’s not the only problem. Throwing food away also means that all the resources that have been used to produce it have been wasted. This can include things such as the water and land that have been used as well as transport and packaging.
Research has found that just under 30 per cent of people in the UK don’t see a link between food waste and climate change.
Most food waste happens at home, but it’s a problem in workplaces too. And things like long working hours, shift work, long commutes and poor work-life-balance can have a knock-on effect on food waste at home.
Because they can mean that people don’t have enough time to plan and prepare meals to reduce waste. Food waste is also hurting people’s wallets. An average family throws away more than £700 worth of food per year.
The impact of food choices
As well as the food we waste, the types of food we choose to eat can have a big impact on the environment too. The British Dietetic Association has produced a helpful fact sheet about sustainable diets and also has a handy list of quick tips on getting started.
Does your workplace have a canteen or organise events with catering? There could be opportunities to make a difference by including more sustainable options in the foods offered.

FOOD WASTE – A CHECKLIST:

  • Are management and members aware of the link between food waste and climate change?
  • Does your workplace offer separate collection facilities for food waste? From 6 April 2024 all workplaces in Wales must collect food waste separately.
  • What facilities are available for workers to store, prepare and consume food or drink while at work?
  • Is there a workplace canteen, cafe or shop? How much food waste is generated and what action is being taking action to reduce food waste?
  • Are there opportunities to contribute to food redistribution schemes? Community - fareshare.cymru Community Fridge circularcommunities.cymru/community-fridge and food sharing apps etc.
  • Are there opportunities for onsite compositing?
  • Does the workplace offer a good work-life balance and flexible working options?

FOOD WASTE RESOURCES:

The Wasting Food: It’s out of date campaign and www.lovefoodhatewaste.com have resources aimed at raising awareness with individuals
WRAP has a suite of free resources available on food waste prevention in the workplace.
WRAP Cymru It has a new ‘Food Waste Reduction Roadmap Toolkit’ aimed at organisations in the food and drink sector
And it has produced a specific food waste hierarchy
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Tuesday 27 February 2024

Climate Jobs, Climate Justice: What struggles do we need to win and how?




 Join our trade union conference on Saturday 13 April:

Climate Jobs, Climate Justice: What struggles do we need to win and how?
Venue: Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, London NW1 1BD - many thanks to Camden Unison for their support
Timing: 11.00-16.45 (registration from 10.30)
More details at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W4Je0z77UHjeXIROcnwEHwG_F2LH1ob--3m4VpqddGs/edit?usp=sharing
Book tickets at https://campaigncc.sumupstore.com/product/tickets-climate-justice-climate-jobs-what-struggles-do-we-need-to-win-and-how-13-april

STOP DRAX




It's crunch time for the campaign to stop Drax power station receiving billions of pounds of public subsidy to burn trees in its power station.

The deadline to respond to the consultation on extending subsidies after the current ones run out in 2027 is 29th February - this Thursday! In addition, the campaign groups Biofuelwatch and the Stop Burning Trees Coalition are asking people to lobby their MPs to stop the new subsidies. You can respond to the consultation on extending Drax's subsidies using the template at [https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-action-stop-new-subsidies-for-burning-trees-in-uk-power-stations/](https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-action-stop-new-subsidies-for-burning-trees-in-uk-power-stations/) Write to your MP asking them to stop the new subsidies at [https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-action-please-call-on-your-mp-to-stop-new-subsidies-for-burning-trees/](https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-action-please-call-on-your-mp-to-stop-new-subsidies-for-burning-trees/) Obviously these actions are most effective if people compose their own response using the information provided, but if you're short of time it's still worth doing using the text provided - this only takes a couple of minutes. And for anyone able to get into London on 5th March (next Tuesday) campaigners will be protesting outside the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DEZNS) from 12 noon. The more people who can join the better, and your help in circulating this would be very much appreciated - call-out message below: 🚨STOP DRAX EMERGENCY DEMO🚨 ⏰12pm 📅 5th March 📍Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (3-8 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2EG) The U.K. Government is currently considering giving £billions more in subsidies to dirty, polluting tree burning power stations Drax and Lynemouth. If approved, we’ll be locked in to years more of tree burning at the cost of our forests, health and energy bills. Come along to demand an end to this scam. Bring placards, banners and a friend! Let us know you're coming: [https://actionnetwork.org/events/stop-drax-emergency-demo/](https://actionnetwork.org/events/stop-drax-emergency-demo/) Website text The UK Government has just announced proposals to use our energy bills to give huge new subsidies to fund tree burning at power stations like rax in Yorkshire and Lynemouth in Northumberland. So far in government subsidies for burning imported wood for energy, claiming this is environmentally sustainable. But lifecycle analysis debunks these claims as does evidence from communities where the wood is sourced and processed - much of the wood comes from the clear-felling of some of the world's most biodiverse forests in the Southern USA, Canada, Estonia and Latvia. Back in 2018, the government seemed to be cooling on biomass, halting new subsidies for new biomass burning. Existing subsidies to Drax are due to end in 2027. However, Drax has found a means to keep the money flowing, by promising to deliver Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) - burning wood and capturing resulting emissions underground. BECCS is unproven, has not been demonstrated anywhere at scale, is unlikely to reduce carbon in the atmosphere and would be extremely costly. But after a year-long planning process, the government has given the green light to Drax’s carbon capture proposal for two of its large biomass units. Now the government is consulting on extending subsidies for biomass burning after 2027. This could cost the public over £4 billion (if extended for only 3 years) or £12 billion if extended to 2035. The ‘transitional’ subsidies are supposed to be temporary until carbon capture technology is available, but there is no end-date for the subsidies and no binding obligation for generators to develop carbon capture. If approved, Drax, and Lynemouth could receive subsidies just for promising to build BECCS in the future, regardless of whether they follow through with those plans The consultation ends on 29 February Please do respond to the consultation and raise this issue with your MP. We will always campaign about the inadequate ambition or urgency of climate action, but it is just as important that subsidies and support are directed to real action and not greenwash.

Tuesday 20 February 2024

Rev Mark Coleman 4 Rochdale; Greens call on members to vote Mark Coleman.

 


++++++Brilliant news today +++++
Greens call on members to vote Mark Coleman.
Due to the chaos of not one, but two national parties ending support for their candidates, the Rochdale Green Party is calling on its supporters to vote for the Reverend Mark Coleman.
Steve Sharp, Secretary of Rochdale Green Party said. “On behalf of the Rochdale Green Party I am delighted to endorse Mark Coleman. Mark is the only candidate in the upcoming election who holds the same values as ourselves. Social justice, fairness, equality and a sustainable future for all. I hope all our supporters to vote for Mark Coleman to serve Rochdale as our next MP.”
Mark Coleman said “I'm delighted that the Green Party has decided to support me, we care about the same things. We need to send a message, that politics is failing us, and that people coming together can be trusted to find better solutions. That's what we need in Rochdale and across the UK. So I invite those who had been going to vote or campaign for the Labour Party - to demonstrate their commitment to social justice, to intergenerational justice, to end genocide, to vote for me and vote for change"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2333251254/user/61555776012668

Greens call for scaling up actions against Israel, accusing UK government of complicity in killing


 Greens call for scaling up actions against Israel, accusing UK government of complicity in killing

12 FEBRUARY 2024

As Israel appears to be on the brink of an all out assault on Rafah, despite warnings against such action by the UN, Red Crescent and others, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer is demanding the UK scale up actions against the Israeli government until the killing stops. Greens are calling for an end to all arms sales to Israel, prosecutions of war criminals and targeted sanctions on Israel’s leaders.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“It is clear that the Israeli government is refusing to heed warnings about the catastrophic implications of an all-out attack on Rafah. The UK government must now demand that Israel stop the killing, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas must also agree to this ceasefire of course, and release all hostages.
“Decisions made by the UK government - above all its failure, month after month, to call for an immediate ceasefire - have made them complicit in the killing of almost 28,000 people to date, 12,000 of whom are children [1].
“Israel relies on certain weapon parts manufactured in the UK, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter whose essential components are made here [2]. A Dutch court has today ordered the state to cease the export of F-35 spare parts to Israel. We call on the UK government to follow suit, and suspend all arms export licences to Israel until the killing stops. The UK must also cease all military collaboration with Israel, including allowing Israeli use of British bases and RAF intelligence flights over Gaza.
“Greens would also implement the requirements of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign across the UK economy. This would include excluding Israel from international sporting and music events; withdrawing all public money from funds with investments in Israel; and ending beneficial trade arrangements with Israel [3].
“It is clear that only outside pressure will make Israel stop its mass killing. We can increase the pressure on Israeli leaders by introducing targeted sanctions against key individuals. This would include travel bans and asset freezes on Israel's leadership and cabinet members, in particular those calling for new settlements in Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank.
“Finally, we would encourage UK authorities including the Metropolitan Police and Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue perpetrators of war crimes committed where UK citizens are the victims or where UK citizens are potential perpetrators.
“There are many steps the UK government could take to pressure Israel to stop the killing. Its refusal to do so means that they are implicitly condoning the appalling carnage in Gaza.”
Notes
  1. Israel-Gaza war in maps and charts: Live tracker | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera
  2. Who Arms Israel? (workersinpalestine.org)
  3. This is consistent with the Green Party’s non-violent approach to demonstrating its opposition to breaches of human rights and international law. It is parallel to calls we have made for boycotts of a number of different countries in the past including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, China, and Qatar.