Continuing this thread, the guardian is reporting that Australian unions are acknowledging the end of coal as a common fossil fuel, and are now advocating for a “just transition”:
Australian unions have thrown their weight behind a transition away from coal-generated electricity, calling for a new statutory authority to manage a “just transition”, supporting workers and communities that rely on fossil fuel-related jobs.
A policy discussion paper written by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) said a planned closure of coal power stations – along with both a jobs and energy plan for the country – would “create a more prosperous and diversified economy”.
It called for an independent statutory body, Energy Transition Australia (ETA), to be created inside the environment and energy portfolio, which would be responsible for managing an orderly move to a clean energy economy.
I think this is an important step in that it’s important not to just toss people aside, now that their industry has been identified as a negative rather than a positive. There’s nothing dishonorable about paying money to recompense those engaged in these businesses, whether as workers, management, or owners – because at one time these businesses were crucial to our growth and survival. Blame begins when knowledge becomes available – it does not extend back before then.
(h/t Treehugger.com)
