Climate change the challenge for society, trade unions and individuals

This webinar took place on Wednesday 29th September and looked at the wider issues for EIS members and society to consider when campaigning against climate change.

*Please be advised that sections of this webinar contain swearing*

Speakers:  

Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) – Jimmy Paul, Director, WEAll Scotland 

‘Jimmy Paul is the Director of the WEAll Scotland (Wellbeing Economy Alliance) which is working to deliver social justice on a healthy planet. WEAll Scotland believes that we must repurpose the economy so it is oriented towards achieving collective wellbeing (as opposed to a sole focus on GDP growth). Jimmy has been recognised for his leadership skills internationally, and has worked in health and social care leadership roles for nearly 10 years, including at Scotland’s Independent Care Review’ 

WEAll is a collaboration of organisations, alliances, movements and individuals working towards a wellbeing economy, delivering human and ecological wellbeing. WEAll’s vision is that within a decade, the WEAll project is no longer needed, as it has catalysed economic system change in multiple countries towards a Wellbeing Economy. 

• In this future, policy is framed in terms of human and ecological wellbeing, not simply economic growth; 
• Businesses provide dignified lives for their employees and exist to meet social needs and contribute to the regeneration of nature; and 
• The rules of the economy are shaped by collaboration between government, business, and civil society  

COP26 Coalition – Stephen Smellie 

Stephen Smellie is the Depute Convenor of UNISON Scotland and TU rep on the COP26 Coalition Coordinating Group. 

The COP26 is the most important UN climate talks to date. Not only is it essential that we up ambition but we must do so in a way that ensures transition within our economy and jobs market that priorities the needs of the planet and workers equally.  

The COP26 Coalition looks to create solidarity amongst all struggles and groups that will be most impacted by climate change to demand a safer world for all under climate change. Central to this is working with trade unions and demanding a just transition.  

Fraser Stewart – University of Strathclyde 

Originally from a council estate in Forfar, Fraser Stewart is an Applied Public Policy Researcher at the University of Strathclyde, making clean energy and climate change work actively against poverty and inequality. He also sits on the board of Glasgow Community Energy and works extensively on climate and justice issues both in media and in his local area. 

Mr Stewart’s research looks at the impact of local renewable energy systems on poverty and inequality in developed countries. As the climate emergency becomes more urgent, policymakers are turning more towards innovations in energy for solutions.

One increasingly popular innovation is that of local energy, such as community owned wind farms and social housing estates that share solar panels, which can reduce emissions but also bring down the costs of energy and create local socioeconomic benefits for users. The practical question at the core of the research is thus: can local renewable energy be used as an effective tool for social and economic justice, as well as for its environmental benefits?

Using mostly experimental quantitative methods, my research thus aims to understand the main social, economic and political drivers and impacts of local energy systems on poverty and inequality across the UK and Europe.