Brussels, 18 November 2015 – During the Executive Committee meeting EFFAT - the European Federation of Food Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions - adopted a statement for a prompt and binding agreement on climate change that will preserve decent jobs in the agriculture, food and tourism sectors.
In the run up to the COP 21 UN International Climate Negotiators’ meeting in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015, EFFAT exposes the threats that climate change poses to the preservation of sustainable jobs in its sectors.
In the agrifood sector production directly depends on climate, which consequently affects food security, the preservation of bio-diversity, livelihoods and the eradication of poverty. Global population is expected to reach 10 billion between 2050 and 2100 and will require a 60% increase in food production. Without real actions to tackle climate change, the degradation of natural resources will not only ruin the assets of existing farms but will also stymie farming and job opportunities for future generations. Faming and husbandry benefit society as a whole, therefore a lack of jobs, income opportunities or social participation in this sector will mean that society as a whole will suffer.
Climate change also deeply affects tourism in that the provision of services in this sector directly depends on climate. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers and extreme weather conditions shift tourism flows and demand patterns, with knock-on effects on related sectors such as agriculture, handicraft and construction. The impact of climate change on employment in tourism needs to be anticipated with adaptation measures drawn up in cooperation with all stakeholders.
Looking to the Paris International Climate Conference, EFFAT’s General Secretary Harald Wiedenhofer stated that EFFAT joins the larger trade union movement in putting workers’ rights at the centre of the climate agenda. A shift to a low carbon economy needs to go hand in hand with a just transition for workers and a strong social agenda comprising quality jobs and respect for labour rights. EFFAT calls on governments and the EU to secure a fair and binding agreement that should involve workers and civil society. As trade unions we are ready to collaborate with employers to bring significant contributions towards this goal.
For more Information:
Harald Wiedenhofer | Secretary General | h.wiedenhofer@effat.org |
