The Green Party has welcomed United Nations support for the principle of a "just transition" to a low carbon economy which prevents the burden of change from being unfairly carried by workers in high-energy industries - and their families and communities.
The UN has approved the inclusion of the principle in text which will form an introductory statement of principles at the international Copenhagen Climate Summit in December.
The Green Party says the UK government and the EU should now fully commit to backing the principle in EU submissions to the Copenhagen conference.
"Just Transition" is the principle that the transition to a low-carbon economy must be fair and not disproportionately hurt the workforces of high energy industries - making them pay for progress with severe cuts in living standards and employment opportunities. The social costs of transition, it is argued, must be shared. The principle also means that trades unions, businesses and communities affected by transition must be consulted along with other civil society bodies.
The principle of Just Transition has been promoted by the TUC and adopted by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Rupert Read, the Green Party's spokesperson on public services, said today:
"It is right that the principle of a just transition to a sustainable society should command widespread support. A rapid transition to a low carbon economy is vital but workforces and communities which have produced steel, cement, coal or cars must be consulted and supported not destroyed - and given assistance, investment and training to reskill for sustainable work. Teesside steelworkers or Birmingham carmakers must be part of a low carbon economy making sustainable products.
"The governments of the UK and the rest of the EU must back this principle at Copenhagen along with the urgent measures necessary to bring about a low carbon economy. Green parliamentarians across the EU will be supporting that."
Note
1. For further information see: http://www.ituc-csi.org/spip.php?article3696.