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
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
Bill 24, Climate Change and Farming in the British Columbia Interior
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2015) Aguiar, Luis; Marten, Tina
British Columbia's Bill 24 (2014) re-defined aspects of the province’s Agricultural Land Reserve system and deregulated the original policy of the ALR introduced into law in 1973. The ALR has been discussed and analysed in economic and political terms. In this paper we examine the climate change implications of Bill 24 for farmers and communities in the Okanagan Valley and in the Kootenays. Our research reveals the contentions around the Bill and the means by which it will accelerate climate change aspects in those communities rather than curtail them. The research interviewed farmers, community activists, local officials and politicians.
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
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
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
Cities, Climate Change and the Green Economy: A Thematic Literature Survey
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2014) McBride, Stephen; Shields, John; Tombari, Stephanie; Sannuto, Kristina
This working paper constitutes an extensive review of the literature concerned with exploring the role of cities in addressing climate change and green employment creation. It identifies five key areas for discussion: (1) greening the local economy; (2) shifting local policy roles and trends in urbanization; (3) policy learning and cross-jurisdictional collaboration; (4) the place of civic participation and engagement; and, (5) the co-benefits of a green economy. These areas will be addressed in an effort to critically explore the following questions: What impacts do cities have on climate change? What role are cities currently playing with regards to the development and implementation of climate change and green economic policies? What barriers do cities face with regards to developing and implementing climate change and green economic policies? What potential is there for policy development?
Open Access
Climate Change and Canadian Unions: The Dilemma for Labour
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2013) Lipsig-Mummé, Carla; LaFleur, Donald; Bickerton, Geoff
In 2010, a group of Canadian trade unions, labour academics and environmental groups began a five year funded community-university research project, Work in a Warming World (W3), to develop effective ways for labour to take leadership in the struggle to slow global warming. We stated the problem this way: How can labour broaden and deepen its capacity to protect work and workers from the unique threats posed by climate change, all the while contributing to the struggle to slow global warming within the context of increasingly pessimistic climate science, global economic crisis, a hostile national government and strategic paralysis in the national and international political arena? The authors explore the challenges and dilemmas for labour leadership in relation to environmental responsibility in the current political climate in Canada, drawing on W3 research and the unexpected uses that research can be put to, using the case of the Canadian Union of Postal workers in catalyzing and internationalising activist engagement for climate bargaining.
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
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
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, Work and Employment in the Agri-Food Sector: Is the Ontario Food System Sustainable?
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2013) Kainer, Jan; MacDowell, Laurel
This paper seeks to analyse the current food system in Ontario – both the industrial system and the growing alternative, often organic, local food system. It also examines the interrelationship between the industrial and alternative food systems, because organics are influencing management decisions at grocery stores, and government policy is evolving. Our research is taking account of the growing theoretical literature that covers food and climate change and we link this material to issues of work and employment. The authors focus on jobs and employment in the food system as well as analyse how best to make the food system in this province sustainable in the face of climate change. With increasing extreme weather events, the need to adapt the food system to climate change, the need for food security and the necessity of having a sustainable food system in Ontario all become more urgent concerns. They also suggest ways of mitigation and adaptation to ensure future food security.
Open Access
Climate Change, Youth and Jobs Institute: What will your future look like? - Video
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2012-02-05) Work in a Warming World (W3)
This video records a meeting on February 4th and 5th, when thirteen high school students from across the Greater Toronto Area came together at York University for the Climate Change, Youth, and Jobs Institute hosted by the Work in a Warming World (W3). Four half-day workshops were created and facilitated by York University Professors Steven Tufts and Dawn Bazely, and Matthew Carroll. The first workshop titled Climate Science 101 provided students with a foundation of the evidence of climate change and analyzed the main climate change denial arguments using media from a variety of sources and perspectives. Professor Dawn Bazely and Matt Carroll addressed common questions such as how do we know the climate is really changing and how does peer reviewed science proceed in a doubtful political climate? The second workshop titled Greening Workplaces began by introducing students to the concepts of the accumulation of wealth in the capitalist economic system. Professor Steven Tufts then led a discussion examining the term ‘green jobs’ and analyzed what it could look like to green all workplaces by facilitating a small-group exercise drawing on the work experience of the participants. The third workshop invited students to critically analyze a variety of perspectives on climate change including various levels of climate deniers and responders to the climate crisis. This workshop concluded with the students discussing and crafting a vision and declaration of specific concerns for Climate Change, Youth, and Jobs for the future (view the Young Green Workers Charter). The fourth and final workshop was a panel session including labour activist Winnie Ng, youth volunteer coordinator Hannah McKinnon, doctoral candidate James Nugent, and Greenpeace activist Steve Shallhorn on their views and experience working for progressive social and environmental change.
Open Access
Confronting Ecological Change: Would Would a Truly Intelligent Species Do?
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Rees, William
Conference presentation from the Work in a Warming World Atlantic Forum 2011.
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
Energy Efficiency: The Green Engine of Economic Growth
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-09-30) Rogers, Lesley
The presentation notes by Lesley Rogers, Vice President of Efficiency New Brunswick to the Saving the Planet and Creating Jobs: W3 Atlantic Forum 2011. Describes the programs of the NGO and their impact on GHG reductions and consumer savings.
Open Access
Food, Employment and Climate Change - Bibliography
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2013) Kainer, Jan; MacDowell, Laurel
A bibliography focused on national and Ontario food production. It includes scholarly research as well as reports and items from the popular press.
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
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
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
Greening Work In A Chilly Climate: W3 International Panel 2011 - Agenda
(Work in a Warming World (W3), 2011-11-17) Work in a Warming World (W3)
Agenda from the International Panel Greening Work in a Chilly Climate: Canadian Challenges and International Perspectives, held at the Toronto Reference Library on November 17th 2011.

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