The Green Economy Group, a coalition of 25 national environmental organisations, has released its own report on Creating Sustainable Employment by Greening the Economy.
The Green Economy Group’s report contains recommendations for creating sustainable jobs by ‘greening the economy’. It examines the concepts of green jobs and outlines sectors where there is untapped potential for job creation.
‘The government has recognised that the green economy is a central plank of our economic recovery, but it needs to go further and green the entire economy if the jobs that are created are to be sustainable,’ said Michael Ewing, speaking on behalf of the Green Economy Group.
Mr Ewing continued: ‘Now is the time for deliberate and determined action to create jobs and encourage growth in sectors which can compete in the global markets of the future. Low-carbon, energy-efficient technologies are becoming increasingly important in Europe and the rest of the world, and it is vital that Ireland can compete in those markets.’
The Government has indicated that it will shortly release its policy statement, Delivering Our Green Potential. However, a policy falls short of the plan that is required under the Action Plan for Jobs 2012 (APJ2012). The Third Progress Report on the APJ2012 which was published today by the Department of Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise is less than clear on this matter, on the one hand saying that a plan has been delivered on the other calling it a policy statement. A plan implies actions with deliverables, a policy does not.
Mr Ewing said: ‘It’s essential that we protect the asset that is fundamental for Ireland’s future economic security – our natural environment. Greening the economy is the surest way to achieve job growth, economic stability and healthy communities. A coherent plan with an understanding of where we are and where we need to be is essential if we are to make progress.’