Is there a job in the Green Economy for you?29 July 2010
Birmingham Friends of the Earth sought answers by holding one of their regular speaker meetings earlier this month.
The group hosted a lively discussion on green job creation with speakers from think-tank Localise West Midlands, who helped organise the event, and Birmingham's Environment Partnership.
As 'the city of a thousand trades', Birmingham has a proud manufacturing tradition. The discussion looked at how green technology and skills could build on this heritage.
The City Council is already committed to carbon cuts of 60 percent by 2026 compared to 1990 levels. This is partly down to long-term work by Birmingham Friends of the Earth.
The Council also expects its Birmingham Energy Savers pilot project (formerly known as the Green New Deal) to create business for local firms.
So, what still needs to be done to create green jobs? Ideas discussed included:
- investment in small-scale community-based projects, not just 'big renewables'
- putting information at people's fingertips - are local green business directories the answer?
- networking to share advice and inspiration
- a 'Green Dragons Den' for new ideas
- valuing the contribution of 'secret green jobs' like the milkman
A full report of the evening can be found on the Localise West Midlands blog.
Contact your Network Developer or Regional Campaigner if your group would like some help organising a similar event.
Get involved
Find your nearest Friends of the Earth group to see how you can get involved locally.
© Phil Burrows
