MLA Report: Growing green jobs

MLA Report

By Carole James

Effective climate leadership and investment in a green economy are essential to our environment, healthy communities and future generations. We must switch to a path where the environment and economy are inherently intertwined. We have all been reminded of the impact of a one-industry economy with the recent falling price of oil and the immediate impact on provinces like Alberta.

It’s long past time to invest in responsible resource development and new energy technologies. Right now, buildings, transportation and energy account for 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.  Where are the strategies to address those emissions, and strengthen our economy?

Sadly the current government is stubbornly welded to 20^th century ways, and unwilling to take the steps necessary to move boldly into the new century and build B.C.’s green economy. They have failed to implement urgently needed environmental regulations and protections, and to recognize the opportunities for our province in the new economy.

The province recently announced it is ready to spend $9 billion to proceed with the massive Site C hydroelectric project without even considering renewable energy alternatives. Imagine the possibilities if government put anything near that kind of money into renewable geothermal, solar and wind energy and conservation through extensive home, commercial and industrial retrofits.

The opportunities are enormous -- and they are exciting. By becoming champions of alternative energy and investing in a green economy, we could achieve more sustainable growth and put B.C. on the path to a cleaner, healthier, more vibrant future.

Green jobs can provide the kind of well-paying work that our citizens need. And by greening our energy, construction and transportation sectors, we can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases and alleviate or even eliminate negative impacts on the environment.

Government could take action today to begin to build a renewable energy industry, enhance retrofit activity and leverage the tech sector.

Examples of the enormous impact of renewable energy jobs can be found around the world. In Germany, for example, there are 1.8 million green jobs, and 20 percent of them are in renewable energy production and manufacturing.

B.C.’s tech industry is a real job creator and we should be doing more to help it grow. Today, it employs more than 84,000 people in 9,000 companies -- more than all the resource industries combined. Revenue from the tech sector has grown six-fold over the last 20 years. These are good jobs, too, with tech salaries 66 percent higher than the average B.C. salary.

An economic impact study conducted by VIATeC shows the South Island’s tech sector impacts the local economy by at least $4.03 billion, and revenue generated by 884 companies now totals $3.15 billion a year. The sector has tripled in size over the last 10 years, and employs more than 15,000 workers locally, plus 3,000 consultants and advisors.

That’s the future, and the sooner we embrace it, the faster we will all benefit.