Clean Energy Jobs
Climate change is the most pressing social and economic challenge we face, and Australians will be hit hard if we do not respond urgently to climate change. Unions have been working hard at both national and international levels to accelerate real, workable and equitable solutions to this major problem.
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)
The union movement supports the commitment by the Federal Government to work to achieve a 60 per cent reduction in Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions below the 2000 level by 2050. Our submission on the CPRS suggests a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 is possible without major technological breakthroughs or lifestyle changes and at minimal cost to working people. The ACTU also supports the government’s commitment to a medium term target for carbon emissions trading.
New technologies, industries and investment
An emissions trading system will require a compensation system, but compensation must be conditional and tied to investments in renewable and low carbon technologies. The ACTU calls upon government to develop policy and drive investment towards new and cleaner technologies, and new industries – to establish Australia as a global leader and to take advantage of economic opportunities.
Southern Cross Climate Coalition
In 2008, the ACTU formed an alliance with the Climate Institute, Australian Conservation Foundation and Australian Council of Social Service. Known as the Southern Cross Climate Coalition, the alliance aims to advance a constructive and long-term agenda to unlock the substantial economic, social welfare and environmental opportunities that will emerge from Australia’s response to climate change.
Clean energy jobs
The ACTU has commissioned economic research which demonstrates that Australia still has an unparalleled opportunity to create hundreds of thousands of ‘green collar’ jobs. Australia’s natural competitive advantage combined with our globally recognised skills and expertise can be harnessed to create real industry development and export opportunities. Our report Green Gold Rush, How ambitious environmental policy can make Australia a leader in the global race for green jobs produced in conjunction with the Australian Conservation Foundation outlines findings and recommendations which achieved strong cross industry support, presented under three national priority areas:
- leadership on environment and industry policy
- environmental market priorities, industry codes and standards
- strategic industry and skills investment planning
Copenhagen Climate Change Conference December 7-18, 2009
The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen did not deliver a binding global treaty to combat global warming however there were some important developments.
The Copenhagen Accord was signed by 190 countries, agreeing that global warming must be kept below a rise of 2 degrees Celsius to avoid dangerous climate change – the first time such a commitment has been made by so many nations.
Developed countries also agreed to commit $100 billion (US) to help developing and poor countries finance the massive economic and social changes required to tackle the causes and effects of climate change, overcoming a major hurdle in negotiations.
Representatives of Australian and international unions, led by ACTU President Sharan Burrow took part in the Copenhagen conference and will continue to lobby governments worldwide for strong climate action, including ‘a just transition’ for workers - which means embedding decent labour standards and good quality jobs as the new clean energy economy emerges at home and around the world.
Downloads
Creating Jobs - Cutting Pollution: the roadmap for a cleaner, stronger economy
State of the Climate report (CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology)
Green Gold Rush report
Green Gold Rush Fact sheet
Green Gold Rush brochure
Green New Deal Statement
Towards an effective and fair response to climate change
Australia’s National Strategy for Energy Efficiency
Joint statement on economic stimulus
ACTU Global Warming Policy