Green Jobs Outpace Those Of Polluting Industries In Europe: WWF
A new WWF study finds that employment in green economic activities is surpassing that of polluting industries in Europe.
According to the new report, entitled: “Low carbon jobs for Europe: Current opportunities and future prospects”, at least 3.4 million European jobs are directly related to renewable energy, sustainable transport and energy-efficient goods and services.
Meanwhile, there are just 2.8 million jobs in industries such as electricity, mining, gas, cement, and steel and iron.
Furthermore, the WWF predicts the low-carbon economy will continue its growth trend, while employment in extractive and climate-polluting industries will slow.
“The study clearly points at the winners and provides evidence that climate-friendly policies and technologies make a positive contribution to the economy,” said Jason Anderson, Head of the WWF’s European Climate and Energy Policy.
“The clean economy is about to take off. If politicians continue to support industries that contribute to climate pollution, Europe will face high costs in the future, both for the economy and the environment.”
The WWF cited figures suggesting that some 400,000 people in Europe are employed in renewable energy activities, while about 2.1 million work in efficient transport and more than 900,000 in energy efficiency goods and services.
Among others, these jobs include construction works to enhance efficiency in existing buildings, manufacturing and installation and maintenance of wind turbines and solar panels. Another 5 million positions are thought indirectly related, the WWF said.
All of the green sectors are showing substantial growth, the WWF said, particularly wind power, solar photovoltaic, bioenergy, public transport and building sectors.
Germany, Spain and Denmark are leading the way in Europe for wind power, while other nations pursue developments in similar activities.
The European Council is meeting in Brussels on 18-19 June, and the WWF has called for strong commitments from the EU to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions and transition to an overall green economy.
“In the next few days, Europe has an opportunity to do something to reduce the international perception that it is good at making promises but poor at living up to them,” said Anderson.
“The Council should reemphasize Europe’s commitment to taking on emissions cuts that are in line with staying below a 2 degree limit, which is not the case now”.
“In doing so Europe will demonstrate confidence that ambition in tackling the climate problem goes hand in hand with developing the engines of future economies and employment. As this report shows, making a strong emissions reductions commitment will also support the fastest growing and highest job contributing areas of the economy.”
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On the Net:
- WWF
- The full report can be viewed at http://assets.panda.org/downloads/low_carbon_jobs_final.pdf.
- An executive summary can be viewed at http://assets.panda.org/downloads/low_carbon_jobs_summary_final.pdf.