Co-ops unite to combat climate change

Co-operatives from around the UK have decided that developing a co-ordinated response to the climate threat is the most important action they should be taking at the moment.

Co-operatives 2009, the annual conference of the co-operative movement, took place over the weekend in Old Windsor and saw the representatives debate four issues of importance for the sector.

These were to develop closer links with trade unions; the need for a strong independent retail sector; a coordinated co-operative response to climate change and developing a co-operative fortnight along the lines of Fairtrade Fortnight.

All four topics were supported by the majority of the 384 delegates at the conference. However, a secret ballot revealed that developing actions to combat climate change and supporting European lobbying for progress on the issue were the most significant concerns.

Bob Burlton, a member of a group called Addressing the Climate Threat, moved the motion on climate change. He said that there was an urgent need to lead by example and to create a strong lobbying force in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in December.

He said: ‘This is a tremendous opportunity to show the real value of co-operative values.'

It was also announced at the conference that Co-operatives UK has been awarded £350,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Greener Living Fund to galvanise individual members and employees to minimise their impact on climate change.

To learn more about Addressing the Climate Threat click here