THE WAVE - Glasgow 5 December

by Fiona Montgomery

The Wave on Saturday 5 December, in Glasgow, will be the biggest climate change demonstration Scotland has ever seen.

Scottish Organiser Dave Watson has called on branches to join the thousands of people who will be marching for a fair global deal from the United Nations talks taking place in Copenhagen in December.

The Wave, organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS), takes place at the same time as a massive London sister march, also called The Wave, and other demonstrations around the world.

The key demands from the Scottish event are for the UK Government to Share Scotland's Ambition, Protect the Poorest and Act Fair & Fast. The Wave aims to demonstrate mass public pressure on the UK Government, calling on it to show effective international leadership at the December negotiations.

Specifically, SCCS wants the UK government to:

Share Scotland's ambition

Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament passed the most progressive climate change legislation in the world. UNISON helped campaign for the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, as part of SCCS.

Amongst other things, the Act contains: an interim target that commits Scotland to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42% on 1990 levels by 2020; the inclusion of international aviation and shipping in emissions figures; and a target that ensures at least 80% of each year's emissions reductions are real reductions from sources in Scotland.

This world-leading Act sets vital international precedents and is an example that other wealthy nations must follow. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland wants to see the UK government ensure that developed nations commit to at least the same ambition as Scotland.

Protect the poorest

The world's poorest and most vulnerable are already suffering the impacts of climate change. They are being hit first and worst because of emissions produced by rich countries, including the UK. It is estimated that 300,000 people are already dying every year as a result of climate change impacts.

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland calls on the UK Government to provide our fair share of the resources needed, (on top of existing aid commitments and funds from the carbon maket), to help people in poor countries adapt to climate change and establish low carbon energy sources.

This means ensuring that the EU commits to delivering at least 35 Bn EUR per year in new and additional public financing from 2012 which is vital if developing nations are to be protected from the devastating impacts of climate change caused by others.

Act fair and fast

It is only fair that rich countries like the UK act first and fastest to cut their emissions. Making deep cuts in our emissions straight away reflects our historical responsibility for climate change. It also ensures that poorer countries are able to develop their economies and tackle poverty without being adversely and unfairly restricted by emissions reductions targets.

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland calls on the UK Government to push urgently for a fair global deal in Copenhagen which limits global warming to under 2 degrees C.

The UK must commit to reducing its carbon emissions by at least 42% by 2020 through domestic action, and call on other rich countries to do the same.

SCCS has lots of ideas about helping mobilise for the march and is also keen to hear from you if you can help with stewarding.

Full details about mobilising, stewarding and downloadable posters and leaflets are all at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/greenworkplace Also, you can send an 'Arnie' E postcard to help tell people about The Wave and about Scotland's Climate Change Act. http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/thewave For further information please contact Fiona Montgomery on f.montgomery@unison.co.uk

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