Three things UNISON members can do about climate change today/this weekend! #ScotPfG

You may have spotted some good news about climate action in yesterday’s Programme for Government, including action on phasing out new fossil fuel cars, investment in active travel, drink deposit schemes and low carbon infrastructure. (UNISON briefing here).

We particularly welcome news of the Just Transition Commission, although we still need to hear the details of it and some other commitments and proposals to be sure they can and will deliver on what is needed in the necessary timescales. STUC response to PfG here. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland response here. (We are obviously still opposed to the Scottish Government continuing with plans to cut Air Departure Tax - taking money from essential public services and going totally against proclaimed ambitions on climate.) 

There’s also lots happening this weekend about climate action and UNISON members can play a part by doing one or more of the following three things...

1. Add your voice to calls for the new Climate Act to be as strong as possible by making sure you support the SCCS E Action to contact First Minister Nicola Sturgeon or send a postcard (email Fiona Montgomery with your postal address to receive one for you and a few for colleagues f.montgomery@unison.co.uk )
    
2. Are you or colleagues interested in ‘Energy Democracy, Public Energy Companies and Investment for Just Transition’ – come to, and/or tell them about, the seminar on Friday, 8 Sept, organised by the Just Transition Partnership. 9.30am-12.30pm at the STUC. Speakers include Sean Sweeney, of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy. Apply to Matthew Crighton to be sure of a place. mcrighton@foe-scotland.org.uk
                               
3. All UNISON members are welcome at the Green Network meeting on Saturday, 9 Sept, in the UNISON Scotland office. Sean Sweeney is speaking at this too, along with Allison Roche, Policy Officer at UNISON UK. Come along and/or tell interested colleagues. Find out more about potential income generation for councils through city energy generation / renewables projects. Info also on pensions divestment, Just Transition, Green Workplaces, etc. 1.30-3.30pm. Details here