Meet James Jack, my Great Great Grandfather. This photo was taken around 100 years ago while he was down the coal mines in Scotland, pioneering the coal cutting machine. This machine led to a revolution in the coal production across the world, and significantly advanced the industrial revolution. My family comes from coal, with both James Jack, his dad David, and his son James (my Great Grandfather) working as miners throughout the late 19th and first part of the 20th centuries.
There is something powerful in thinking about my family roots, and now looking forward to the climate activism I am doing. I have been at COP26, where coal was consigned to history. When I spoke on energy day about consigning coal to the history books, in those books are my family.
When we talk about needing a just transition I am brought back to James Jack, understanding that if 100 years ago we were thinking about the transition away from fossil fuels, it would be his job on the line. I also think about honouring the sacrifice many made in this job to get us to where we are today.
Let’s also not end up in a situation where people around the world are sent down into the same conditions to mine for materials involved in the renewable energy world. There is no climate justice without social justice!
Now, in 2021, his Great Great Granddaughter is walking the corridors of the most important climate summit to date. Something James Jack might never have imagined…
