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A Just Transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy

Institution / Author:
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu)
Year:
2012
Sectoral focus:
Economy-wide
Thematic focus:
Economic diversification, Mined land and water rehabilitation, Just transition framework implementation
Type of analysis:
Desktop research, Stakeholder engagement
Type of document:
Book
Download COSATU policy on climate change A just transition to a low carborn and climate resilient economy download Download
A Just Transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy

SUMMARY: This booklet aims to help workers and unions to grapple with climate change and its challenges. It explains the causes and effects of climate change, and its impacts on workers and the poor. It unpacks international negotiations about a global climate deal. Solutions are introduced and analysed, and suggestions made for unions to take the work forward. Included is: COSATU’s Policy Framework on Climate Change and a carbon footprint checklist for unions, with strategies for COSATU affiliates.

KEY FINDING / RECOMMENDATIONS: Cosatu’s positions on climate change recognises serious challenges for the working class and it also points out the gender dimension – women, as the administrators and labourers of households, are bearing the brunt of the impacts of climate change. The framework requires fleshing out in practice. To this end, COSATU affiliates are called to begin to develop their policies, research and education capacity on climate change to inform their sectoral engagements on the issue.