As negotiations are deadlocked in Copenhagen, the global union federation of public sector workers, Public Services International (PSI), urges developed countries to take their fair share of responsibility for climate change

More than 20 public sector union leaders are taking part as official observers in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations taking place in Copenhagen. PSI leaders come from countries ranging from Uruguay to Canada, the Philippines and Australia and from various public sectors such as municipal and community services, water and energy utilities and health care.

PSI believes climate change is the greatest environmental and social challenge of our generation. Solutions to climate change must be driven by the principle of social justice and precautionary principle, and based on the respect of human rights, including core labour standards and the right to water and energy.

PSI urges leaders in Copenhagen to reach a legally binding agreement that keeps temperature increases below 2O Celsius. To achieve this goal, developed countries must, in accordance with their historical responsibility for the current climate crisis, commit to emissions cuts of at least 30% by 2020 in Copenhagen.

Public sector workers are at the forefront of the response to the threats of climate change. The increased demand for rescue services, health care, sustainable water, energy and waste management, public transportation and other public services will place huge stress on the central and local governments, utilities and their workforces. Workers will need to be hired, trained and equipped to fulfil these functions. Sustainable, climate-resilient public services are where many of the green jobs will be created when shifting to a low carbon society.

“Failure in Copenhagen is not an option. Government commitment to strengthen public services should be at the heart of the global response to climate change. Only by working together for a planet which puts human needs and respect for our planet ahead of corporate profits will we succeed in this collective effort,” said Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary.

Click here to access the PSI statement for COP15