20 million jobs in low-carbon economy

Friday 11th December 2009

International pursuit of a low-carbon economy could create 20 million jobs, according to a report published today.

The jobs would be created between now and 2020 in eight of the world's leading economies including the UK, as well as the US, India, and China.

The report from the Global Climate Network (GCN), an alliance of thinktanks, argues that if governments take action to expand low-carbon energy markets the increased employment could have benefits worldwide.

It also warned that the opportunity for quick and positive steps could be lost if debate on climate change continues to be focused on the costs of action. The release of the report coincides with world leaders gathering in Copenhagen for the UN summit on climate change this week.

Andrew Pendleton, coordinator of the Global Climate Network, said: "The Copenhagen climate talks are focusing on the costs of action on climate change and yet if the eight governments of the countries featured in our study pushed ahead with strong policies to limit carbon emissions and invest in low-carbon energy, they would see very significant job creation and experience the social and economic benefits that go with it."

A large proportion of any jobs would be created in China and India, the world's two fastest growing economies. In India an implementation of the government's national action plan on climate change could create 10.5 million jobs in wind, solar, and biofuels.

The creation of jobs in the UK is associated with offshore wind, and is dependent on any turbines being manufactured in the UK rather than existing European plants.

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