Wednesday 17 November 2010

Scotland sets sights on 60,000 green-collar workforce

Scotland sets sights on 60,000 green-collar workforce

The Scottish government estimates around 60,000 green jobs could be created by 2020.

The Low Carbon Economic Strategy was unveiled this week and is a part of the government's bid to secure sustainable growth and meet its climate change targets.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "Scotland can become a leader in the global low carbon market, and reduce our impact on the planet. We can grow the economy, generate wealth and create new green jobs and this strategy sets out how we will do that."

The government will move £15m of funding from the Lowlands and Uplands European Structural Funds Programme, which along with match-funding from the private sector and other public sector financiers, could create £60m-worth of support for low carbon activity.

Experts claim this market is potentially worth £12bn to Scotland's economy. Scottish Enterprise chief executive said Lena Wilson: "The transition towards a low carbon economy presents major global opportunities for Scotland and it is vital that we have a clear strategy that will allow the public and private sectors to focus and work together to deliver the best return on investment."

Scotland's low carbon market was worth around £8.5bn in 2007-2008.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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