This project focuses on Climate Change in three countries in Africa – Tanzania, Nigeria and Morocco. It is the second PSI project focusing on Climate Change in Africa and so adds to and strengthens the Climate Change work being done across the continent. It is important to keep a regional perspective on Climate Change – the weather does not follow country borders, and countries in the same region have very similar experiences of the impact of Climate Change. It is important that we are building solidarity around these common experiences and challenges.

The particular focus of this Climate Change project is on the role of the public sector and public sector trade unions in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy that is able to deliver vital public services to all in the country. It is the poor and working class who are most vulnerable and therefore the most at risk of the consequences of climate change. So it is important that we have a strong public sector, with increased financing for quality public services that can better meet the needs of the vulnerable poor and working class. The need to address the climate emergency must be a vital part of all work in the public sector – from public procurement, to urban planning and public transport, energy investment, enhancing emergencies and disaster preparedness and strengthening public operators in the water sector and regulating the private sector.

The aims of the project are to build capacity and understanding of Climate Change among PSI affiliates in the three countries; and to develop clear strategies for policy development and engaging government on key Climate Change issues. The project will also contribute to building strong alliances with like-minded organisations on the issues of Climate Change.