If we are to achieve SDG 13 and fulfil the commitments of the Paris Agreement, it is critical that the state and public services carry out their role in supporting our communities. PSI believes that, that workers and trade unions are able to participate fully in all stages of this process. The special report on the state of global warming warns against going beyond the 1.5°C limit set in Paris. It also warns that a 2°C rise will have worse consequences than previously anticipated. It signals that no matter the actions taken by governments especially in SIDS, communities will need to prepare for more disaster, and therefore we will need to train and deploy more emergency workers.

“With many regions experiencing both shared and unique climate challenges, it is clear that effective and efficient climate governance must occur across government systems and through a multitude of sectors and industries in order to better tackle complex environmental matters. Within this context, nations and their public service professionals are increasingly being called upon to urgently address, mitigate and proactively manage this global transformation. At the same time, the reality of ensuring strong economic growth for a nation and its citizens is all consuming. How does the public sector manage this duality? Are there policies, strategies, and approaches that account for both climate responsibility and economic prosperity?”

Background

In 1994, Commonwealth countries established CAPAM – an institution where cooperation and dialogue regarding public sector administration and management amongst participating countries would serve to strengthen all governments and the people that they serve.

See also:

PSI reaction to IPCC special report on the state of global warming

Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction