ITUC Backs Philippines Call to UN Climate Talks, Calls for Huge Humanitarian Effort

The ITUC has strongly backed the Philippines Government’s call to the UN climate talks underway in Poland for urgent action on climate change in the wake of Friday’s devastating typhoon which is thought to have cost as many as 10,000 lives and caused widespread devastation.

“The scientific consensus on climate change is clear, and catastrophic events like Typhoon Haiyan will only continue to multiply the longer the world delays action. People are paying with their lives while the powerful anti-climate lobby continues to block solutions,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and had their houses and livelihoods destroyed. Trade unions around the world are asking their members to donate generously to the relief efforts, and our Philippines partners are right now evaluating how best the global trade union community can help.”

ITUC Asia-Pacific region General Secretary Noriyuki Suzuki is currently in the Philippines to assess the situation, and worker education NGO LEARN, part of the SOLIDAR network, has already launched an appeal for solidarity support.