Workers hit by climate-related job losses need a fair deal

Workers affected by climate-related job losses need a fair deal

Forest & Bird is calling for workers to be part of the conversation as New Zealand moves to a zero-carbon future with a new economy that supports communities and nature.

"New Zealand relies on the natural world for its income - whether from forestry, farming, horticulture or tourism. Climate change puts all of these industries and workers at risk from increased droughts, floods, ocean acidification, and the loss of the New Zealand's amazing wildlife," says Forest & Bird climate advocate Adelia Hallett.

We are pleased to be joining a roundtable event today, organised by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions to discuss a fair transition for workers to a net zero emissions economy.

“Jobs are already being affected by climate change. Just last week the fishing industry announced it would have to voluntarily reduce the amount of hoki it catches off the West Coast because warming waters mean the fish just aren't there,” says Ms Hallett.

“Climate change is the single biggest threat faced by the world. We’re going to see the global economy move away from industries like oil and gas that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

“The workers affected by this change need to be part of the conversation so they can help shape how our economic and environmental future will look and the impact this will have on their jobs.”

Healthy native forests and coastal environments have the power to reduce the impacts of storms and flooding, and strengthen our resilience to climate change. Protecting nature protects all of us.

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