TUC conference on climate change
The British Trade Union Congress (TUC) organises this year's conference on climate change on 11 October. It takes place at a crucial period in climate change policymaking – nationally in the UK, and internationally.
The conference theme of building alliances links sustaining the drive for a low carbon economy with pathways out of recession, and both strands mean getting the policy right and securing the support of key stakeholders.
Alliances for a Green Growth will highlight the respective roles of government, business, trade unions, green and development NGOs, community and finance organisations in accelerating the transition to a low carbon future. Inevitably, in the run up to Cancun, the event will include a strong international flavour.
UK Environment Secretary Chris Huhne MP will deliver an opening keynote speech, with a TUC response from Frances O'Grady. This is followed by a science and industry update from David Kennedy, CEO of the UK Ctee on Climate Change. Eight workshops will then tackle a range of key themes including Green Investment, green skills, transport, energy market reforms, energy intensive industries, Cancun, the coalition's plans for the Green Deal, etc.
They are followed by an expert panel. The panel itself includes Fanny Armstrong; Paul Noon, General Secretary of Prospect and TUC General Council lead on climate change; Mick Leahy, GS of Community trade union, the lead union in steelmaking; Jeremy Nicholson, Director of the Energy intensive industries users group; and Joan Walley MP, Chair, Environmental Audit Committee. The panel is followed by a closing contribution from Caroline Lucas, newly elected Green MP.
