Work in a Warming World (W3), 2010-2017

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10315/38956

The Work in a Warming World (W3) research programme, under Principal Investigator Carla Lipsig-Mummé, brought together more than fifty environmental and labour market organisations (especially labour unions), and resulted in research written by academics and practitioners. Researchers from 10 universities in four countries participated in three major grants clustered together under W3 between 2010 and 2017:

What do we know? What do we need to know? (A Knowledge Synthesis Project funded by NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC)
Work in a Warming World: Adapting Canadian work and employment to the challenge of climate change (A 5 year Community-University Research Alliance funded by SSHRC and partner organisations)
Canada’s Work World and the Challenge of Climate Change: Engaging the Community (Funded by SSHRC and partner organizations).

One of the highlights of the W3 programme was the 3-day International Conference: Labour, Climate Change, and Social Struggle (French version here) in December 2013. It included 90 presentations from researchers from around the world, although some from Asia and Africa were denied entry visas – evidencing the hostile political climate for our work during that period.

In addition to the working papers and presentations archived here, the following books by W3 researchers were published:

Lipsig-Mummé, Carla. (ed.). (2013). Climate@Work. Fernwood Publishing.
Goods, Caleb. (2014). Greening Auto Jobs: A Critical Analysis of the Green Job Solution. Lexington Books.
Lipsig-Mummé, Carla & Stephen McBride. (eds.). (2015). Work in a Warming World . McGill Queen’s University Press.
Griffin Cohen, Marjorie. (ed.). (2017). Climate Change and Gender in Rich Countries: Work, public policy and action . Routledge.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 53

Open Access
What Do We Know? Reviewing the State of Knowledge on Climate, Work and Employment in Canada
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2010) Lipsig-Mummé, Carla
This paper presents the results of the first national ‘state of expert knowledge’ study of the impact of climate change on work and employment in Canada. Climate change is defined as recent changes in climate attributable to human activity. The What do we know? project, led by Lipsig-Mummé with Canadian academics, trade unionists and private sector labour market analysts, explores the state of knowledge about the complex interaction between climate change, response to climate change, and work and employment in Canada, in six economic sectors between 1995 and 2010. The sectors are: construction, energy, forestry, transportation equipment, postal services, and tourism. The paper begins by setting out the three international debates which shape the issue and its research. Second, it discusses its unusual research methodology. Third, the paper summarizes the research findings. Fourth, it identifies holes, silences, and next research questions on the climate/work relationship.
Open Access
What Do We Know? What Do We Need To Know? The state of research on work, employment and climate change in Canada - Program
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2010-06-07) Lipsig-Mummé, Carla; McBride, Stephen; Calvert, John; Cohen, Marjorie Griffin; Tufts, Steven; Holmes, John; Bickerton, Geoff
This Program reproduces papers delivered to the What do We Know panel discussion at York University, Toronto on June 7 2010. The What do we know? What do we need to know? Research project is a knowledge-gathering and knowledge-assessing project, the first national project to be funded on the climate change/work relationship in Canada. Papers presented initial findings for the sectors of energy, tourism, postal services, and transportation equipment, with overview remarks by Principal Investigator Carla Lipsig Mumme, placing the research in an international perspective.
Open Access
What Do We Know? What Do We Need To Know? The state of research on work, employment and climate change in Canada
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2010-12) Lipsig-Mummé, Carla
This final report is the first comprehensive study to examine broadly the state of knowledge about climate change and its impact on Canadian employment, workplaces, and workers. It focuses on six of Canada’s most significant economic sectors: auto manufacturing, construction, energy, forestry, tourism, and the postal sector. It includes chapters with a gender analysis, and which place Canada in an international context. It concludes with a research agenda for the future.
Open Access
Circular Economies in Canada's Forest Sector
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Mabee, Warren
The concept of circular economies suggests that optimal flow of goods and services can be represented as a loop. This can be manifest in a process when products are recovered after a period of use and transformed into new goods, and when the last product may be used as the basis for a new iteration of products. The concept is also present in regional geographies, where resources may flow from point to point for processing and use, and where the final leg of the process brings materials back to the starting point. A popular example of the circular economy is the carbon cycle, which sees old products serve as the basis for new growth and eventually new commercial activity. The forest economy has the potential to take the circular approach. This paper describes the current state of Canada's forest sector and identifies barriers to achieving a true circular approach. For example, Ontario is a region where massive disruptions to the existing economy have left the industry in crisis. Opportunities for reinventing the forest sector are discussed, as are the potential impacts on employment and economic returns from this approach.
Open Access
Greening Hotels and Fair Labour Practices
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Tufts, Steven; Milne, Simon
In recent years, a number of labour union strategic initiatives have been developed which seek to leverage consumer preference against employers in the accommodation services sector. These programs largely focus on rating and certifying hotels based upon environmentally and socially responsible behaviour and labour friendly practices. In part, the campaigns are a response to the perceived 'green-washing' of hotels through voluntary, self-reporting rating systems. This paper examines three union campaigns that recommend hotels according to social and environmental criteria: The Fair Hotels campaign (Ireland); the First Star program (Australia); and INMEX (United States and Canada). We find that limitations are related to the geographic scale of the campaigns and their inability to advocate for any significant shift toward a more socially and environmentally sustainable accommodation services sector.
Open Access
Gender and Climate Change (1990-2011) - Bibliography
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Whiteside, Heather; Cohen, Marjorie Griffin
A 28-page listing of scholarly articles and government reports, including the topic in the developing world.
Open Access
A Profile of the Greenhouse Industry in British Columbia and Clues to Climate Change
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Aguiar, Luis
This paper profiles the greenhouse industry in British Columbia, and seeks out the issue of climate change. It concludes that the industry is expanding and is an important economic contributor to the economy of the province. It is also an industry that employs a large number of foreign migrant workers, who like most other workers in the industry, are on temporary employment basis. This has consequences for workers. The author argues that climate change has yet to be forcibly articulated by the stakeholders in the industry and thus a significant gap exists in the literature, and only through interviews and case study analysis with stakeholders in the industry, will we begin to pull out and understand the issues that implicate climate change in the greenhouse industry.
Open Access
Climate Change and Labour Union Strategy in the Accommodation Sector: Opportunities and Contradictions
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Tufts, Steven
Climate change is affecting tourism-related industries such as accommodation and hospitality (e.g., changes in tourist flows, the ‘greening’ of hotels). The role organized labour in such industries will play in climate change mitigation and adaptation is less studied. This paper explores how such responses may be integrated into recent strategic initiatives building labour union capacities in the accommodation sector. The case of UNITEHERE, a union representing over 100,000 hotel workers in the United States and Canada, is explored. Specific attention is given to the integration of climate change into current activities such as: the union’s fight against ‘green-washing’; the scaling up of collective bargaining; the use of consumer preference as leverage against hotel companies; the implementation of a ‘high road vision’ for the sector; and campaigns for accessible public transit and community economic development. The paper concludes that climate change will be incorporated into existing union strategies, but there is limited capacity for radical transformation of the sector practices.
Open Access
Industrial Strategies for Green Jobs: Opportunities and Obstacles in the Ontario Case
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) McBride, Stephen; Shields, John
Doing something about the environmental crisis without harming the economy and jobs has been a dilemma for governments for many years. This paper explores the potential and opportunities conferred by green jobs economic strategies using the example of Ontario's Green Energy policy. This case also highlights the obstacles to achieving that positive sum result posed by international economic agreements. Trade agreements like NAFTA and the WTO, however, may have an impact on state capacity to enact and implement industrial policies, since green economic strategies can be seen as a particular variant of an industrial strategy. The domestic content provisions in Ontario's Green Energy Act, and alleged subsidization through the FIT have already triggered trade complaints and an action by Japan. Government procurement is a central plank in the defence of Ontario's policy, though one that is threatened by possibly enhanced procurement openness that Canada is negotiating, with provinces at the table, in new economic agreements such as CETA. Outcomes are uncertain but as this case study shows trade and investment agreements do pose a challenge to green industrial policies especially if government procurement protections are sacrificed or substantially weakened.
Open Access
Green/ing Jobs: Definitions, Dilemmas and Strategies: W3 Conference 2011
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Demerse, Clare; Cohen, Marjorie Griffin; Cartwright, John; Letourneau, Sara; Clarke, Tony; Lipsig-Mummé, Carla
This brochure outlines the agenda and brief versions of conference papers from a conference held at York University, Toronto on January 20th 2011. Speakers Clare Demerse, Pembina Institute, Sara Letourneau, Bluegreen Alliance (US), and Carla Lipsig-Mummé, York University addressed the issue of defining “green jobs”. In a second panel, John Cartwright, Toronto And York Region Labour Council Tony Clarke, Polaris Institute Of Canada and Marjorie Griffin Cohen, Simon Fraser University addressed Green/Ing Economies: Strategies And Dilemmas – particularly related to Canada’s oil and gas industry.
Open Access
The Impact of Bioenergy and Biofuel Policies on Employment in Canada
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Earley, Sinead; Mabee, Warren
Environmental policy, particularly written to deal with climate change and the related issue of renewable or clean energy production, has the potential to change the capacity of businesses, states, and other organizations to provide employment opportunities. This paper reviews the development of environmental policy in Canada at the federal level as well as in two provinces (Ontario and British Columbia). Key policies include the Canadian renewable fuel standard (included in Bill C-30, the Clean Air Act of 2007) as well as Ontario’s Green Energy Act (Ontario Bill 150) and British Columbia’s Bioenergy Strategy. Our methodology describes employment associated with the bioenergy and biofuel sectors as concentric circles ranging from direct through indirect and temporary jobs, and describes forthcoming survey analyses that aim to quantify the impact that these policies have had on employment opportunities. We situate our findings within the context of an ambiguous climate or energy strategy at the national level, and discuss what may be at stake when labour issues are excluded from climate policy debates. The paper looks critically upon the strategic “greening”of economies, jobs and governance in Canada, while providing recommendations for future iterations of policy at the federal and provincial levels.
Open Access
Climate Change, Construction and Labour in Europe: A Study of the Contribution of Building Workers and their Unions to 'Greening' the Built Environment in Germany, the United Kingdom and Denmark
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Calvert, John
This study reviews the overall climate policy and legislative framework of the European Union (EU) and then examines what governments in Germany, the UK and Denmark have done to reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and limit their reliance on fossil fuels. It then looks at the climate policies being implemented in the construction industry and the role the trade unions, in these countries, have played in efforts to address the challenge of climate change. Finally, it examines some of the specific initiatives the building trades unions have taken to further the transition to a ‘greener’ economy. The study concludes that the ability of unions to play a constructive environmental role is partly dependent on the broader policy framework established by governments and partly dependent on their influence within their own industry. Where union density is high and where unions are significant players in training and workforce development, they have had considerable success in shaping the environmental policies of the construction industry. Conversely where union representation is weak, where unions are marginal players in the overall labour relations system, they have not been able to exercise significant influence over how their industries have dealt with global warming. While the role of labour is only one factor in determining the effectiveness of climate policies in the construction sector, the presence - or absence - of union involvement does make a difference in the capacity of the three countries to implement the goal of promoting a ‘greener’ economy and society
Open Access
Climate Change and Work
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) MacDowell, Laurel; Galer, Dustin
As part a comprehensive review of climate change literature, this paper examines the relationship between climate change and jobs. For 25 years, scientists have warned us of climate change and our need to create a sustainable society to mitigate and adapt to it. Though this process will be difficult, the Global Climate Network, an alliance of independent think tanks, estimates that the development and wide use of low-carbon technology will create millions of jobs globally. In Canada, the lack of political leadership on climate change has increased carbon emissions, stimulated an industry of climate denial, missed out on green jobs and clean energy investments. A proactive approach to climate change leads to job creation. Pending an effective political response, it is urgent and necessary to create a movement to “repair the planet” by involving trade unionists, environmental activists, academics, educators and journalists. To the extent that such action “from the bottom up” is effective, it will combat climate change and result in new jobs in a new, sustainable economy.
Open Access
Some Responses to the Challenge of Climate Change by North American Labour
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Mann, Tom
This paper discusses responses to the challenge by public sector unions, including New Brunswick, and others at the provincial and national level, and federations of public sector unions and the national federation of unions in Canada. It also includes an overview of the labour movement in the United States and that of the International Trade Union Confederation.
Open Access
Does Gender Matter in the Political Economy of Work and Climate Justice?
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011) Cohen, Marjorie Griffin
This paper focuses on gendered distinctions relating to climate change for both paid and unpaid labour issues in developed nations. It will build on the methods used to analyze labour/climate/gender issues in developing nations to focus on three main aspects. These are 1) the impact of women’s work on climate change; 2) the impact of climate change on women’s work; and 3) how different types of strategies to mitigate climate change have gendered implications.
Open Access
Canadian Union of Postal Workers presentation to the W3 Atlantic Forum 2011: Saving the Planet and Creating Jobs
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) LaFleur, Donald
PowerPoint presentation to the Work in a Warming World Atlantic Forum 2011 by Donald LaFleur, 4th Vice-President, Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
Open Access
Saving the Planet and Creating Jobs: W3 Atlantic Forum 2011 - Poster (English)
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Work in a Warming World (W3)
Poster from a two-day conference held at St Thomas University on September 29-30 2011.
Open Access
Saving the Planet and Creating Jobs: W3 Atlantic Forum 2011 - Poster (French)
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Work in a Warming World (W3)
Poster from a two-day conference held at St Thomas University on September 29-30 2011.
Open Access
Canada/US Cross Border Links: Environmental and Energy Opportunities
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Nagusky, Beth
Conference presentation from the Work in a Warming World Atlantic Forum 2011.
Open Access
Towards a Green Economy: Why Unions Must Be Involved
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Mann, Tom
Slides for the presentation by Tom Mann, formerly Executive Director of New Brunswick Union/NUPGE, to Saving the Planet and Creating Jobs, Work In a Warming World Atlantic Forum 2011, held at St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick. A fuller version appears in the W3 working paper, Some Responses to the Challenge of Climate Change by North American Labour (2011).

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