International Trade Union Confederation

The devastating impact of global warming on lives and livelihoods cannot be overstated. Ambitious and far-reaching action is urgently needed. The ITUC represents nearly 200 million workers in global climate discussions and supports affiliates worldwide in their efforts to create sustainable, green jobs. Our work focuses on financing climate policies, setting emission reduction targets, securing fair and binding agreements, and developing a comprehensive strategy for a “Just Transition” for workers and communities. A Just Transition at multilateral, national and local levels must ensure that we all are part of a sustainable, low-carbon economy with access to decent, green jobs.

At the current rate, the world will not limit global temperature rise to below 1.5°C, leading to catastrophic consequences. Already, millions of people are displaced each year due to climate-related issues such as extreme weather events, irreversible ice melt significant biodiversity loss. Hundreds of millions of workers are affected by climate impacts like heat stress. Despite international agreements, many countries fail to meet their emissions reductions targets, while businesses – particularly in carbon-intensive sectors – hinder meaningful progress. The least wealthy countries, home to the most vulnerable populations, lack the resources and international support needed to adapt to climate change.

“There are no jobs on a dead planet.” We need ambitious and far-reaching action with trade unions at the forefront of this vital movement. The cost of inaction far exceeds the necessary investment to rebalance the Earth’s atmosphere. Workers and their trade unions are crucial actors in delivering climate justice.

Energy: The global energy sector needs to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, while achieving universal energy access by 2030 and improving air quality. Current climate and energy policies are failing to curb emissions or keep energy costs low. Governments and public authorities must take a much stronger role reclaiming, retaining, and expanding public ownership of energy infrastructure. This will combat energy poverty, develop renewable energy capacity, and ensure affordable, clean energy as a human right.

Just Transition: Just Transition, with full union involvement, is critical to combating climate change. Employers must adopt zero-carbon strategies in consultation with workers’ unions through collective bargaining and social dialogue. Climate action with Just Transition and backed by public and private investments and government regulation, will create jobs and support a skilled and educated workforce through adequate training and lifelong learning.

Global solidarity: Addressing climate change requires global resources to help countries adapt. This is essential to supporting Just Transition in the least wealthy countries. Technology transfer, along with loans and grants, must enable economic transformation and job creation. Low-income countries, disproportionately impacted by a crisis they did not create, deserve compensation for the loss and damage they face.

Economic policy: International trade and investment policies, as well as investors, including pension funds, must support a zero-carbon, zero-poverty future. Governments must enact policies that decarbonise all economic activities and exceed international commitments. Government subsidies must shift from polluting industries to sustainable ones.

Young people: Inaction on climate is a betrayal of young people and future generations. Trade unions support the engagement, mobilisation and organisation of young people for a just and sustainable future.