The Scottish Sunday - Scotland's award-winning independent newspaper

'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.

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.

Accountability to the Next Generation

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 councillors and officials". According to Unison's Scottish organiser, Dave Watson, facing direct questions from school children would be the 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.

Workplace Environmental Agreements

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 recognised 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. The coalition's campaign for tougher action to cut the pollution that is disrupting the climate is being backed by The Scottish Sunday.

A Positive Step Towards Accountability

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.

Hotels Take Steps Towards Environmental Responsibility

In the wake of Unison's proposal for public bodies to be more accountable for their impact on the climate, several hotels in Scotland are taking proactive steps to become more environmentally responsible. Recognizing the urgent need to combat global warming, many hotel chains and independent establishments are implementing sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.

Implementing Sustainable Practices

Hotels are adopting various measures to promote sustainability, such as:

Installing energy-efficient lighting and appliances throughout the premises
Implementing recycling programs for guests and staff
Using eco-friendly cleaning products and practices
Offering locally sourced, organic, and seasonal food options in their restaurants
Encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens to conserve water and reduce laundry
Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines

Awareness and Education

In addition to these initiatives, hotels are also raising awareness among their guests about the importance of environmental responsibility. Many properties provide information in guest rooms about how guests can participate in conservation efforts, such as turning off lights and air conditioning when leaving the room, or choosing to walk or use public transportation instead of driving when exploring the area.

Leading the Way

By taking these steps, hotels in Scotland are showcasing their commitment to sustainability and leading the way in the hospitality industry. As tourists become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, choosing eco-friendly accommodation options has become a priority for many travelers.

Conclusion

Unison's proposal for public bodies to be accountable for their impact on the climate is a significant step towards addressing the urgent issue of global warming. By demanding transparency and explanation from decision-makers, Unison aims to create a more environmentally responsible approach to governance. In parallel, hotels in Scotland are also embracing sustainability practices, recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Together, these efforts contribute to a more sustainable and greener future for Scotland and the world.