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Make the Climate Wreckers Explain Actions to Children - Union Proposes Radical Plan to Tackle Global Warming

By Rob Edwards, Environment Editor

EVERY PUBLIC sector organisation should have to justify the impact on the climate of every decision it takes, under plans to be put forward by the trade union, Unison. Councils, enterprise agencies, government bodies and the government itself would all be accountable for any development or plan which increases the pollution that is warming the globe.

Public Bodies Need to Consider Climate Change in All Decisions

Unison is proposing that chief executives responsible for climate-wrecking schemes should be hauled up before school children to explain their actions. Unison, which represents 162,000 public service workers in Scotland, will this week make its submission to the consultation on the Scottish government's draft climate change bill. The union will propose a "general duty on public bodies to consider climate change in all decisions and report on progress annually". That would mean introducing legislation obliging public agencies to take account of the effect on global warming in every decision, in much the same way as they have to consider impacts on equal opportunities.

Scrutinizing Public Body's Annual Reports

Unison will suggest that a selection of the annual reports produced by public bodies should be called in by a Scottish parliamentary committee for scrutiny at Holyrood. Locally, the union says, there should be "an annual schools gathering where students could question appropriate councilors and officials". According to Unison's Scottish organizer, Dave Watson, facing direct questions from school children would be more challenging. "If a public body is going to do something barmy that will damage the climate, it doesn't mean they can't do it. But it does mean it has to be flagged up," he says.

Promoting Greener Workplaces

Unison's submission on the climate change bill will also call for public bodies to be required to negotiate a "workplace environmental agreement" with their recognized trade unions. This would aim to save energy, cut waste, and reduce water use in offices. "We envisage the bill giving powers to Scottish ministers to issue regulations and guidance to promote greener workplaces," says the draft submission. Unison is a member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, a coalition of more than 30 environment, development, faith and other groups.

Response from the Scottish Government

The union's call for a legal duty on public bodies to consider climate change is welcomed by the chairman of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Mike Robinson. "I sincerely hope that the government will take note of this demand," he says. The Scottish government pointed out it was already working with the public sector. "The views expressed by Unison will be considered alongside other responses to the consultation," said a spokesman.

The Link Between Hotels and Climate Change

While the focus on public sector accountability in relation to climate change is crucial, it is also important to recognize the impact of other sectors on global warming. One industry that has a significant influence on the environment is the hospitality sector, particularly hotels.

Energy Consumption and Emissions

Hotels consume vast amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operations. This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are one of the leading causes of climate change. Additionally, hotels generate considerable waste, further contributing to environmental degradation.

Efforts Towards Sustainability

Many hotels around the world have started implementing sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. These include measures such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation programs, waste management practices, and the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. Some hotels have even obtained certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to showcase their commitment to sustainability.

The Role of Guests

While hotels can take steps to become more eco-friendly, guests also play a significant role in reducing the industry's impact on climate change. Simple actions such as reusing towels and sheets, turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use, and choosing eco-friendly options can all contribute to the overall sustainability of the hospitality sector.

Call for Transparency and Accountability

Similar to the proposal made by Unison for public sector organizations, there is a need for increased transparency and accountability in the hotel industry regarding their environmental practices. Guests should have access to information about a hotel's sustainability efforts, allowing them to make informed choices and support environmentally responsible establishments.

By addressing climate change at both the public and private sector levels, Scotland can make significant progress in mitigating the detrimental effects of global warming and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.