In the agro-food sector, production directly depends on climatic factors which have impact on food security, the preservation of bio-diversity, the sustainability of livelihood and on poverty eradication at large. Global population is expected to reach 10 billion between 2050 and 2100 requiring an increase of 60% in food production. Without a real action to tackle climate change, the degradation of natural resources not only ruins the main assets of current farms but also limits farming opportunities and jobs of future generation. Rural areas bring vital benefits to all sectors of society. Without job prospects, new income opportunities and scope for social participation, this viability will be always under threat.
Alongside, climate change is not a remote event for tourism. The provision of services in this sector directly depends on climatic factors. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers and extreme weather conditions shift tourism flows and demand patterns, impacting tourism business with knock of effects on related sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts and construction. The impact of climate change on employment in tourism is evident and needs to be anticipated with adaptation measures to be drawn up in cooperation with all stakeholders.
Looking ahead to Paris’ International Climate Conference, Harald Wiedenhofer, EFFAT’s General Secretary said: ‘EFFAT joins the larger trade union movement putting workers’ rights at the centre of the climate agenda, because there are no jobs on a dead planet. A shift to 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 remain firmly committed to the creation of a global fair and legally agreement to achieve the below 2° objective as well as involve workers and civil society in the implementation of sustainable development. As trade unions we are ready to collaborate with employers to bring significant contributions towards this goal.
