Pressure mounts on UK government to create green jobs
Just hours before the chancellor Alistair Darling announced his plans for public spending and taxes in the pre-budget report on 24th November, the chairman of the Environment Agency Lord Chris Smith demanded that the UK government launch a “green new deal.”
Lord Smith, speaking at the EA’s annual conference, called on the UK government to tackle the recession and rising fuel prices by investing in renewable and green energy technologies to create green jobs.
Lord Smith’s calls for reform are echoed by Climate Change Sectretary Ed Miliband and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn. The latter two have reportedly been pressuring Prime Minister Gordon Brown for an emphasis on green policies to be included in the pre-budget statement.
A potential home insulation programme could create 10,000 environmental jobs including loft lagging and other jobs concerned with the installation of energy-saving items.
Lord Smith said: “We must hold our nerve and invest in green technology despite the current pressures on the economy.
“We should take the lead on developing carbon capture so we can develop new industries that create new jobs.”
The call from Lord Smith, Miliband and Benn will come as welcome news for those looking for or already working in green jobs or environmental careers. Government initiatives such as these will expand the environmental sector, and improve the environmental credentials of many careers, making it easier to get a green job, or “green up” your existing job. Furthermore, the focus of the government on green issues highlights the fact that the environmental sector is becoming increasingly important, and that now is a great time to look into a career within it. Why not start searching now? Check the listings on JuicyJobs.biz and join the green job revolution!
Author and resource box
Rachel Charman, a writer for Juicyjobs.biz Ethical Jobs UK – an environmentally friendly green job search board which offers free job listings to Environmental, NGO’s, NFP’s and ethical companies promoting green, fair trade services and support sustainable living. For job seekers Juicyjobs can help you find the ideal ethical jobs in London.
