CLIMATE change is ultimately a “question of power and ownership,” a leading trade unionist argued over the weekend.

Asbjorn Wahl, former chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation climate change panel, said decarbonisation could create more jobs than it destroys.

Speaking at a meeting in Edinburgh, organised by Scottish Socialist Voice, he warned: “The climate emergency is above all a political challenge. It is a question of power and ownership, a systemic issue, not a single issue. Solutions must therefore be based on creating economic and social advance for the masses.

“Poor people will not support the climate change movement unless they benefit from it,” he said. “They are suffering most from climate change and its impact. The role of the working class worldwide is therefore decisive in this interest-based struggle.”

Extinction Rebellion activist Eva Schonveld said that the new direct action movement, which has caused significant disruption in both London and Edinburgh, “does not blame individuals for the situation we are in.”

She added: “We criticise institutions, governments and commercial organisations for not taking on board the seriousness and urgency of the danger.”

Scottish Socialist Party representative Roisin McLaren said universal free public transport could become “the jewel in the crown” of Scotland’s efforts to tackle climate change.