26. The Essential Role of Employment and the Workplace in Climate Change Policy and Effective Disaster Risk Management Planning

The transition to a low carbon economy will occur over the next generation. During this period governments will determine law and policy that includes greenhouse gas emission targets and defines emission management strategies and strategies to manage the consequences of the increased frequency of extreme weather events. This paper explores the implications of climate change policy for employment and the workplace, and its role in effective disaster risk management planning. Climate change is a significant concern being addressed both globally and domestically. Regulations will be designed to ensure consistency with government policy. Business and actors in the workplace will, by necessity, adapt to the new requirements. The challenge is to ensure regulators’ objectives are matched with the requirements for business continuity, the labour market, a just transition and in the context of disaster risk management the ability to earn sufficient income to meet the basic daily needs of the individual or family. Ecological modernisation theorists support the school of thought that environmental outcomes are achieved through the relationship between the nation state, the economy and innovation, and social movements. Ecological modernisation provides a suitable framework within which to analyse these relationships. This paper will address issues associated with climate change policy including disaster risk management in the context of ecological modernisation theory with a particular focus on the role of industry and the impact on employment and the workplace.