Strategies for Low Carbon Jobs

An IPPR report into the job creating benefits of creating markets for low carbon technologies

Last updated by Admin, October 21, 2009

Date:  21 October 2009

IPPR in conjunction with its partners in the Global Climate Network (which includes the Australian Climate Institute and the Centre for American Progress) has released an interim report on its investigation of the employment opportunities that are created by government investment in creating markets for low carbon technologies.

The key message of the report is that if governments show leadership and commit to developing markets for low‐carbon technologies, then they will maximise the economic benefits and stand a greater chance of creating more jobs.  

The report recommends that governments should be weary of predicting job numbers and targets and suggests that they instead focus on measures to stimulate low carbon technology markets. 

The interim findings of the report include:

  • More jobs will be created than lost in the move to low carbon.
  • New markets for low carbon technology will create new jobs.
  • Markets created in one country will create jobs in others.
  • A stronger policy response makes net benefits more likely.
  • Jobs will be lost as economies shift to low carbon.
  • Jobs in carbon intensive sectors are in some cases in decline already.
  • Low carbon job creation has happened as a result of policies up until now.
  • Many low carbon jobs will be created outside of manufacturing sectors.

The interim report can be found here

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