Advancing climate change and making it socially just – this is one of the most crucial social tasks today in order to realise a future worth living for us and our children. The climate crisis and species loss are two of the greatest challenges of our time. They threaten our livelihoods and thus our social cohesion and democracy. However, the necessary changes – especially in industry – frighten many people. Concerns about job security are on many people’s minds. Trade unions are the key players here, and they are in a position to address these concerns. They have successfully accompanied and mastered many structural change processes in the past and will also play an important role in the changes ahead. After all, only by working together can we meet the challenges of the climate and species crisis, overcome them and create a secure future with work for all.
In order to drive forward socio-ecological change, we need a committed and clear environmental and climate policy that creates a framework for environmentally friendly living, working and economic activity. At the same time, it is important that employees have a say in the upcoming change processes. To do this, they need the necessary skills, partners and tools to take action themselves and advocate for a socially just climate transition. At the same time, pioneering companies are important as positive examples to show what solutions and commitment are available to tackle the climate crisis. That is why committed trade union members from ver.di and IG Metall, together with NELA. Next Economy Lab, are developing the necessary skills to help shape the climate transition at the local level. They are the pioneers of change.
