#CEPOW: get prepared for a day of action on climate and workplaces
On Wednesday 22 September trade unionists are asked to take part in a day of action to Climate and Employment Proof Our Work.
In the run up to this autumn’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) the International Trade Union Confederation is spearheading #CEPOW, Climate and Employment Proof Our Work, on Wednesday 22 September.
This day is an opportunity to be part of a global conversation taking place in workplaces across the world. Trade union reps are asked to invite their colleagues and employers to look at what can be done to protect climate and jobs in their workplaces. This could include setting up an awareness raising event with members. The aim is to “work together and design a future with secure jobs, sustainable economies, and a safe and healthy living planet”.
Over half of carbon emissions are work-related, so workplaces have a huge role to play in the effort to reaching net zero. Many workplaces can significantly reduce their carbon footprint right now, for example by:
- making sure buildings and appliances are energy efficient,
- repairing and refurbishing equipment and furniture instead of buying new, and
- activating a Cycle to Work scheme.
Find out how you and your workplace can get involved in the day of action. Follow #CEPOW on Twitter. Find out how Wales TUC is supporting the day.
Climate facts
Global warming. Global surface temperature will continue to increase up to 4ºC, where adaptation may not be possible.
CO2 emissions. Extreme weather events are destroying jobs and livelihoods. They will keep growing in strength and frequency unless we cut CO2 emissions by 55 per cent by 2030.
Hothouse earth. Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere around the world, and they will continue to lose mass at least for several decades even if global temperature is stabilised.
Rising sea levels. Global sea levels will rise up to 6 meters if warming is limited to 2°C and it will remain irreversible for centuries.
Refugees and displaced people. Each year, 20 million climate refugees flew from disaster and have lost livelihoods.
Climate change and public health. At 1.5C degrees of warming in Europe alone around 30,000 will die annually due to heat.
ITUC Global Poll 2020: 79 per cent of people think employees should have a right to know what measures their company are planning to climate-proof jobs and workplaces.