Copenhagen must not fail
"Leaders of the world meeting in Copenhagen must not accept failure as
an option" said Guy Ryder, ITUC General Secretary. "Success will be
measured by the legal status of its outcome, emissions reductions and
financial commitments from developed countries established as a basis
for future negotiations, as well as the actions to be taken by
developing countries to achieve low-carbon development. A just and fair
result will be a critical benchmark for success."
Copenhagen must include commitments on social justice in the transition
towards low carbon and climate-resilient economies. "We welcome the
renewed support of several governments to the concept of Just
Transition, which is present in the negotiating text" said Ryder. "The
labour movement at all levels will maintain its pressure to ensure that
the Copenhagen outcome is fair for the planet and fair for working
people."
"We call on the governments of the world to assume their
responsibilities, ignore short-sighted positions and turn the political
momentum gained around climate change into obtaining an ambitious and
just outcome in Copenhagen", Ryder added.
ITUC positions on climate change can be found at
The ITUC represents 170 million workers in 158 countries and territories
and has 316 national affiliates.
