Over 40 organisations, including the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), are urging the UK government to get green skills and training onto the forthcoming COP28 agenda.
IEMA (The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment), the global institute for sustainability professionals, has led the call with organisations including Nestle UK, the British Chambers of Commerce, OVO, CIWM, and Make UK signing up.
The coalition has written to the Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, the Minister representing the UK government at this year’s COP28 international climate negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, asking him to push for green jobs and skills to be included in the cover text.
The cover text is an agreement reached between countries attending COP on how they will manage climate change both domestically and internationally.
IEMA says to transition to a cleaner economy in the UK and reach net zero by 2050, “millions of green jobs” will need to be created, and workers will need to receive the right skills and training to carry out these jobs.
IEMA is sending a strong message to Government, along with colleagues from a wide range of organisations and businesses.
The UK government has pledged support for 2 million green jobs to be created by 2030. IEMA says if delivered at pace and with financial investment, the UK can achieve its commitments to climate adaptation and mitigation.
IEMA defines “green skills” as a building up of the knowledge, behaviours, capabilities and technical skills required to tackle environmental challenges and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.
A “green career” is a job, or series of jobs, across an occupational life that contributes to improving the natural environment and addressing climate change.
IEMA’s CEO, Sarah Mukherjee MBE, commented: “IEMA is sending a strong message to Government, along with colleagues from a wide range of organisations and businesses, that we need to start addressing the skills gaps to adapt to the real climate emergency.
“We’re delighted to be supported by so many organisations who recognise, like we do, the great need for a green-skilled workforce both domestically and internationally.”
