Energised: How Do We Create A Green Jobs Revolution?
Feb 16, 2024
01:08:04
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The podcast discusses the challenges and opportunities of creating green jobs in the renewable energy sector. The panel talks about the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors, the importance of clear definitions for green jobs, and the need for effective training programs. They also explore government support for green job creation, the concept of a just transition, and the role of education in raising climate change awareness. The podcast ends with a discussion on the prospects and challenges facing the green jobs revolution.
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Quick takeaways
Green jobs encompass a wide range of roles beyond traditional environmental roles, requiring a clear narrative to attract diverse individuals.
Addressing the skills gap in the green job sector requires effective training programs and a review of training initiatives like the apprenticeship levy.
International collaboration and cooperation are crucial in the green jobs revolution, with examples of countries like India and Germany offering expertise and funding to support global transition efforts.
Deep dives
The Need for Clear Narrative: What is a Green Job?
The podcast explores the challenge of defining what a green job is and how it can be better communicated to the public. It highlights that the term 'green job' can be misleading, as it often conjures images of outdoor ecological roles, and fails to capture the full range of green jobs that exist across various sectors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of developing a clear narrative that accurately conveys the diversity of green jobs and the opportunities they offer. It suggests that focusing on job security, wages, and working conditions can be more effective in attracting a wide range of individuals to the green job sector.
Skills Gap and Workforce Challenges
The conversation explores the significant skills gap in the green job sector and the challenges of developing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the green transition. It highlights the need for effective training programs, particularly in areas like offshore wind and heat pumps. The discussion also raises concerns about the limitations of the apprenticeship levy in the UK and calls for a review of its parameters to ensure greater flexibility and support for training initiatives. Additionally, the issue of attracting and retaining talent in the green job sector is addressed, emphasizing the importance of offering job security, competitive wages, and appealing narratives to entice individuals to pursue careers in the green economy.
Global Perspective and International Collaboration
The podcast touches on the global dimension of the green jobs revolution, highlighting the need for international collaboration and sharing of best practices. It mentions examples of countries like India training solar engineers to export their expertise to other countries, and Germany funding training programs for Colombians to work on renewable energy projects. The discussion highlights the potential for the UK to collaborate with other nations in addressing global challenges and benefiting from the skills and knowledge offered by developing countries. It also underlines the importance of avoiding protectionist approaches and embracing global cooperation for a successful green transition.
The Importance of the Green Revolution in Achieving Net Zero Targets
The podcast discusses the significance of investing in the Green Revolution and the challenges of maintaining political commitment to achieving the net zero targets by 2050. It emphasizes how the transition to a net zero economy has become an economic issue that impacts job creation and growth. The podcast highlights the differing priorities of political parties, such as the focus on green manufacturing for the Labour Party and the emphasis on importing goods at lower cost for the current government. The discussion acknowledges the need to strike a balance between economic considerations and the pursuit of net zero goals.
The Role of Education and Public Perception in Ensuring a Just Green Jobs Transition
The podcast delves into the importance of education and public perception in ensuring a just transition to green jobs. It emphasizes the need to integrate climate change education across various subjects in schools, teaching students about the global challenge and equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute to solving it. The podcast also highlights the role of media literacy and the need for effective career advice to engage younger audiences in green job opportunities. It emphasizes the significance of promoting carbon literacy and creating a workforce that is representative and inclusive, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups are not left behind in the green jobs revolution.
Solar panel installers, architects, environmental scientists, recycling coordinators, wind turbine engineers, geologists, project managers, electric vehicle manufacturers – these are just a small subset of the countless jobs connected to the green revolution. For renewable energy to be a sustainable part of our lives, we need to ensure it offers both economic growth and climate security. How do we ensure the social and economic benefits of clean energy are available to all, and not just those at the top of the food chain? How can the public and private sector work together to encourage people to work in the green energy sector? What are the best ways to increase investment in green jobs? And is it possible for us to create an economy in which the health of the planet and the wellbeing of its inhabitants is a priority and profit isn’t the only goal?
To answer all these questions and more, Intelligence Squared brought together a panel of expert speakers to discuss their plans for creating economic growth and job opportunities within the green economy. ScottishPower Strategic Resourcing Manager Madeline McCreanor is joined by Sam Alvis, Director of Energy at policy and insights firm Public First, and Shaun Spiers, Executive Director at the environmental think tank Green Alliance in a live panel discussion, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Kamal Ahmed. This podcast was produced in partnership with Iberdrola.