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Unions and the Environment

Explore the urgent need to address climate change and the role of unions in driving environmentally responsible policies and sustainable development. Learn about the Generation Zero movement's achievements and their vision for a carbon-neutral Aotearoa by 2050.

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Unions and the Environment

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  1. Generation Zero Unions and the Environment

  2. Climate Change: A Global Issue - Been on the agenda since the 1980s, with little action occurring until quite recently. - Much change has already occurred with around a 0.8’C degree temperature rise 1880. - At the moment we’re on track for a temperature rise of around 4.8’C by the end of the century. - Fossil Fuel emissions around the world have continued to grow dangerously, partially accelerated by a rapidly industrializing developing world. - Much change has already occurred with around a 0.8’C degree temperature rise 1880.

  3. Gen Zero Foundations - In response to the potentially disastrous impacts of climate change, have repeatedly come together attempting to create binding international agreements to lower carbon emissions. - Unsuccessful and stalled by key countries refusing to compromise on emissions reductions. - Some of our founding members attended COP 2009 and saw a clear lack of mandate for global leaders to do anything meaningful on climate change. - Around the world youth climate change movements were responding and taking action, mobilizing people to hold our leaders to account. - Saw a major gap here in NZ for direct engagement with political leaders and the private sector thus Generation Zero was created in 2011.

  4. Who we are – Generation Zero - Since 2011 we’ve grown from two regional groups to more than ten around New Zealand. - We’re a solutions focused movement of young people who seek to mobilize New Zealanders to help solve the climate crisis. - We work in a number of different ways doing everything from carefully targeted media stunts, grassroots organising, direct political engagement, cultivating participation in the political process to organising large scale events.

  5. Our vision - Carbon neutral Aotearoa by 2050 - A youth-led climate movement that creates meaningful action on the climate crisis while empowering young kiwis

  6. What we’ve achieved - Over 100 media hits in the past year, reaching more than 1 million viewers - A large scale youth climate summit with more than 700 participants - A nationwide speaking tour across 14 regions with more than 2200 participants - Youth leadership trainings and workshops for more than 1000 young people - An effective local body election campaign which engaged more than 200,000 people

  7. Union involvement – why? Unions need to get involved in environmental issues to… • Use tripartite engagement to push for environmentally responsible policies – eg discussions with Government and sectors • Work with government and business prepare workforces for a fair and just transition towards new, sustainable industries – retraining etc • Engage in social dialogue, collective bargaining and advocacy at national, regional and company level to contribute to policy making and union actions for sustainable development and green jobs with decent work at its core. • Ensure that union goals of job creation, recognition of workers rights and protection of the environment are respected in the process of change.

  8. Union involvement – how? • Identify opportunities for sustainable development within workplaces and sectors with help from members • Identify and promote opportunities for job creation • Provide an example to follow, eg internal union sustainablility processes, power saving, reduced car use • Promoting action on environmental issues, eg power saving competitions between workplaces • Utilising the union voice - 58,000 people plus their families is a huge number of people telling the government and employers we want them to act now!

  9. PSA & the environment • Eco Rep Network • Union Climate Action • PSA Sustainability Policy • Staff Sustainability Committee • Member-driven

  10. Eco Rep Network • Informal, virtual network • Established in 2010 • 420 members • Irregular newsletters • Workplace-focused activity • Workplace sustainability champions • Contribute to campaigns • Resource constraints

  11. Eco Rep Network goal/objectives OVERALL GOAL Build union organisation able to improve workplace sustainability and contribute to the global campaign for environmental justice. OBJECTIVES • Promote the shift to more environmentally sustainable workplaces • Educate our membership and the wider public about the connections between environmental quality, economic health and social justice, and encourage a “big picture” outlook • Demonstrate leadership on workplace sustainability (rangatiratanga) • Build union organisation

  12. Activities • Earth Hour • Global Climate Working Bee • Low-carbon Xmas • Election materials • Power Shift

  13. We want your ideas!

  14. What should the PSA be doing: In the workplace? Internally? As part of public campaigns?

  15. Think about: What you can do What the PSA/Eco Rep network can do How to make it happen

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