Right now, the world is facing a climate and economic crises. Without urgent action for a transition to low carbon economies and societies, the world is in peril. Mere weeks away from the important climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, world leaders are already warning that urgent action may not come soon. This must change.
The Council of Canadians, working with the Canadian Labour Congress, have produced Green Decent and Public, a report focused on the distinct opportunities of the public sector to play a prominent role in generating decent green jobs.
There is a broad-based, growing movement to recognize opportunity in crises. This movement is identifying reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis as an engine for decent job creation.
Green Decent Public focuses in particular on the opportunities for creating green jobs in improving energy efficiency and rapidly expanding electricity produced from renewable resources. Public and community ownership of renewable power is offered as an alternative path to further market liberalization in the electricity sector that has distinct advantages. These advantages include retaining economic revenues, maximizing social benefits, prioritizing conservation and ensuring energy security.
The full report is available at: Green Decent and Public
The executive summary is available at: Green Decent and Public
Resume: Verte, Decente et Publique