Climate change a challenge: Malabag

PUBLIC sector workers are at the forefront of the response to the threats of climate change, union leader Michael Malabag said yesterday.
Mr Malabag, who is president of the two biggest unions the Public Employees Association and PNG Trade Union Congress, stated the union’s position on climate change in a statement.
“The PEA and PNGTUC believes climate change is the greatest environment and social challenge of our generation.
“Solutions to climate change must be driven by the principle of social justice and precaution, and based on the respect of human rights, including core labour standards and the right to water and energy,” he said.
Mr Malabag said developed countries must commit to emissions cut of at least 30% by 2020.
“Public sector workers are at the forefront of the response to the threats of climate change.”
He said the increased demand for rescue services, health care, sustainable water, energy and waste management, public transportation and other public services would place huge stress on the central and local level governments, utilities and their workforce.
“Workers will need to be hired, trained and equipped to fulfill these functions.”
Mr Malabag said sustainable climate resilient public services were where many of the green jobs would be created when shifting to a low carbon society.
“Government commitment to strengthen public services should be at the heart of the global response to climate change,” he said.