Creating The Green Jobs and Industries Of The Future
Panel discussion on the impacts that Climate Change will have on industry and job creation in the future.
Last updated by Admin, November 2, 2009
Event Date: 31 July 2009
The Ideas Space brought together Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong with the CFMEU's Tony Maher, Don Henry of the Australian Conservation Foundation and ALP's National President and founder of the Labor Environmental Action Network Jenny McAllister. Host John Connor of the Climate Institute facilitated discussion about the potential opportunities for the development of green jobs in Australia.
For Climate Change Minister Penny Wong it is important to seek out the economic opportunities presented by climate change. As a starting point, she noted that climate change is more than an environmental issue - it is also an economic challenge. One of the key economic opportunities presented by the move to a carbon-constrained world is the creation of 'green jobs'. She drew a parallel with the IT revolution: when computers were first used it was impossible to know not only what jobs exist now which are directly related to new technology, it was also almost inconceivable to fathom the way in which computers would fundamentally alter the way in which we do all jobs. Knowing this, government has an important responsibility to encourage the creation of green jobs. Don Henry outlined the sectors, including sustainable water systems, biomaterials and green buildings, in which Australia has a particular advantage in creating green jobs. ALP National President Jenny McAllister outlined some of the factors that should be present in projects that receive government funding, like the presence of a large potential market, flexibility and long-term sustainability. Ms McAllister also thanked Tony Maher for his work in engaging the union movement in the conversation about climate change opportunities.
To view the presentations given at this event please click on the videos below:
Senator Penny Wong: Minister for Climate Change and Water
Don Henry: Australian Conservation Foundation
Tony Maher: Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union
Jenny McAllister: National Vice President, Australian Labor Party