- Conference
- Date
- June 16, 2017
- Decision
Conference recognises that the threat of global warming to our environment and to the wellbeing of the world’s population has been neglected by the UK government and that immediate actions are required to limit the damage that is already taking place. Conference recognises the Scottish Government’s ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions but notes that the UK Government has failed to adopt similar targets.
Conference recognises that global warming is already with us with 2016 being the hottest year on record and increasing extreme weather events causing havoc to communities in the UK and elsewhere, threatening public services and putting significant pressure on government and council budgets.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to link with other unions and organisations to campaign for government measures to reduce carbon use in order to meet the target of reducing global warming to below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and to move to a low carbon economy.
Conference notes that investment, including by pension funds, in fossil fuel extraction is contributing to the continued exploitation of carbon reserves which is the major factor in the human contribution to global warming and contrary to the aims of moving to a low carbon economy.
However, Conference recognises that the transition to this low carbon economy will have an impact on some workers and communities who are dependent upon carbon based industry for employment. In order to ensure a Just Transition for these workers and communities government action is required to develop alternative industries and employment.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to:
- Campaign for greater awareness amongst UNISON members of the threat posed by climate change;
- Demand government action to meet the targets for reducing global warming and to develop alternative employment for carbon industry workers;
- Campaign for divestment from fossil fuel extraction for pension funds;
- Seek alliances amongst other trade unions who share our objectives.
South Lanarkshire UNISON
NEC POLICY: SUPPORT AND AMEND
96.1
In point 3) add at end:
“, whilst respecting the fiduciary duty of pension fund trustees;”
Add new point 5):
“5) work with UNISON energy service group.”
National Executive Council
96.2
Add new bullet point 5):
“5) To campaign to oppose fracking.”
City Of Glasgow Branch
NEC POLICY: DEFER