Generation Zero
Unions and the
Environment
Climate Change: A Global Issue
- Been on the agenda since the 1980s, with little
action occurring until quite recently.
- Much change has already occurred with around
a 0.8’C degree temperature rise 1880.
- At the moment we’re on track for a temperature
rise of around 4.8’C by the end of the century.
- Fossil Fuel emissions around the world have
continued to grow dangerously, partially
accelerated by a rapidly industrializing developing
world.
- Much change has already occurred with around a 0.8’C
degree temperature rise 1880.
Gen Zero Foundations
- In response to the potentially disastrous impacts of
climate change, have repeatedly come together
attempting to create binding international
agreements to lower carbon emissions.
- Unsuccessful and stalled by key countries refusing
to compromise on emissions reductions.
- Some of our founding members attended COP
2009 and saw a clear lack of mandate for global
leaders to do anything meaningful on climate
change.
- Around the world youth climate change
movements were responding and taking action,
mobilizing people to hold our leaders to account.
- Saw a major gap here in NZ for direct engagement
with political leaders and the private sector thus
Generation Zero was created in 2011.
Who we are – Generation Zero
- Since 2011 we’ve grown from two
regional groups to more than ten around
New Zealand.
- We’re a solutions focused movement of
young people who seek to mobilize New
Zealanders to help solve the climate crisis.
- We work in a number of different ways
doing everything from carefully targeted
media stunts, grassroots organising, direct
political engagement, cultivating
participation in the political process to
organising large scale events.
Our vision
- Carbon neutral Aotearoa by 2050
- A youth-led climate movement that creates meaningful action on the
climate crisis while empowering young kiwis
What we’ve achieved
- Over 100 media hits in the past year, reaching
more than 1 million viewers
- A large scale youth climate summit with more
than 700 participants
- A nationwide speaking tour across 14 regions
with more than 2200 participants
- Youth leadership trainings and workshops for
more than 1000 young people
- An effective local body election campaign
which engaged more than 200,000 people
Union involvement – why?
Unions need to get involved in environmental issues to…
• Use tripartite engagement to push for environmentally responsible
policies – eg discussions with Government and sectors
• Work with government and business prepare workforces for a fair and just
transition towards new, sustainable industries – retraining etc
• Engage in social dialogue, collective bargaining and advocacy at national,
regional and company level to contribute to policy making and union
actions for sustainable development and green jobs with decent work at
its core.
• Ensure that union goals of job creation, recognition of workers rights and
protection of the environment are respected in the process of change.
Union involvement – how?
• Identify opportunities for sustainable development within workplaces and
sectors with help from members
• Identify and promote opportunities for job creation
• Provide an example to follow, eg internal union sustainablility processes,
power saving, reduced car use
• Promoting action on environmental issues, eg power saving competitions
between workplaces
• Utilising the union voice - 58,000 people plus their families is a huge
number of people telling the government and employers we want them to
act now!
PSA & the environment
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Eco Rep Network
Union Climate Action
PSA Sustainability Policy
Staff Sustainability Committee
Member-driven
Eco Rep Network
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Informal, virtual network
Established in 2010
420 members
Irregular newsletters
Workplace-focused activity
Workplace sustainability champions
Contribute to campaigns
Resource constraints
Eco Rep Network goal/objectives
OVERALL GOAL
Build union organisation able to improve workplace sustainability and
contribute to the global campaign for environmental justice.
OBJECTIVES
1) Promote the shift to more environmentally sustainable
workplaces
2) Educate our membership and the wider public about the
connections between environmental quality, economic health and
social justice, and encourage a “big picture” outlook
3) Demonstrate leadership on workplace sustainability
(rangatiratanga)
4) Build union organisation
Activities
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Earth Hour
Global Climate Working Bee
Low-carbon Xmas
Election materials
Power Shift
We want
your ideas!
What should the PSA be doing:
• In the workplace?
• Internally?
• As part of public campaigns?
Think about:
• What you can do
• What the PSA/Eco Rep
network can do
• How to make it happen