For decades, the world has been dependent on coal, oil and gas – the fossil fuels that harm the environment. Many countries have recognised the need to transition to greener forms of energy – think renewable energy like solar power, wind and hydroelectricity. However, the transition is complex, and countries have struggled to agree on a way forward.

In late 2023, a big international meeting was held in Dubai, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), commonly referred to as COP28. Essentially, it was a summit where almost all countries came together to discuss how to deal with climate change.

This conference is important for trade unions and workers across the world because “it is the first COP to call explicitly for countries to accelerate a global shift from fossil fuels in a manner that is ‘just, orderly and equitable.’”[1] What this means is that, as we move away from fossil fuels, people who are affected by this should be protected. And not only people affected by the move away from fossil fuels (like those losing their jobs), but also those communities and people impacted by climate change.

There are two key issues that were raised in this conference that are important for workers’ and workers’ organisations. COP28 specifically references labour rights and social protections. The agreement on the “Just Transition Work Programme” has been called a “major victory for trade unions”.