Sustaining development for green jobs
Wind Farm Ireland
As discussed in my previous post, Ireland’s best chance to come out of the current downturn successfully is to develop new sectors for employment, particularly green jobs. The market is reacting to this trend, with a year on year increase in green sector employment. However, the big question still remains – can we sustain this growth to put our economy back on track?
A recent EU study predicted that Ireland is unlikely to lead as an innovator in the high tech sector. This primarily comes down to a lack of investment in research and development, from both government and business in Ireland. As well as research and development, financial investment in growth areas will be necessary in order to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in the new global economy.
The availability of natural resources coupled with a young, educated workforce, means that Ireland is still capable of providing a viable economy for our green future. Many renewable providers have reported an increase in business, in spite of the downturn. This gives a good indication of the current strength of the green economy in Ireland.
Recent investment of €200 million by wind technology firm Gaelectric demonstrates a strong belief that Ireland is still a viable location for investment and development.
A large number of Irish firms have also indicated that they would invest in energy efficiency measures and are funding their own research into this area. Although this is often in reaction to a desire to reduce costs, the impact of this will be to open up the renewables sector in Ireland, and ensure investment for its future.
Extreme budget measures, such as an increase in corporate taxes, the reduction of funding for research and development as well as the introduction of newer taxes, may have a negative impact. Damage to the scale of investment in green technology, the renewables sector as well as other high tech areas is inevitable. In order to ensure the sustainability of our economy, we must be sure not to lose our edge because of the current economic downturn.
We are on the brink of a global economic shift. Ireland should aim to become a leader instead of a follower to ensure the sustainable development of our country. The Ideas Campaign
_ provides us all with a platform to voice our ideas on developing our economy. Check out the latest ideas, or post your own as part of the Ideas Campaign.
I firmly believe the hundreds of millions (270 million was the last figure I heard) we are spending on fines and carbon credits under the Kyoto treaty would be better spend on R&D of green technology here in Ireland. It would keep the money in this country, provide jobs and if spent wisely will provide a far greater long term benefit to the environment than paying money over to an international agency. It may put us in violation of the Kyoto treaty for a period of time but so be it. With the major polluters outside the treaty anyway we might be better off opting out. In reality what are they going to do to us if we give them the two fingers while at the same time announcing the money is going to real green projects.
Of course the problem with that is it relies on the government to spend the money on R&D in green technology and not just on pay rises for the armies of accountants and administrators in various government departments. I’m not sure we can trust the current lot to do that even with the green party at the cabinet table.
You’re right about the government, but who put the government there?
As to giving “two fingers” to Kyoto? Well this is exactly why WE have global warming and why the financial systems throughout the world are in freefall. The “lets-get-what-WE-can-out-of-this” mentality is why we are now struggling to KEEP what WE already got. Try to remember, we have been living rent-free when it comes to this planet and the rentman is knocking on the door right now!
You’re right, we are in a privileged position. I believe that Ireland is moving in the right direction with the adoption of the Home Energy Saving Scheme, and that if all paddle towards the same direction, we can take advantage.
It is clear that the economic situation is not the best, and we need more companies to invest in research and development, but the recession will be long and have time to react. It is time to react. Sustainable building, BER productos, green enploynment. This is the future of our economy!
Regards