A new report from London Councils has outlined how climate progress is being slowed by a lack of green skills.
Activity being undertaken by London boroughs to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero was mapped in the Green Skills report, with it looking to find gaps in net zero work as well as areas that need further improvement and main opportunities and challenges that the green economy presents. Some of the main skills that are required to achieve net zero progress were also addressed in the report, with four main sector providing a significant amount of the green jobs within London, these are:
- Construction
- Power
- Low carbon transport
- Green Finance
Despite the fact that it is expected that the number of green jobs in London will increase to more than one million by 2050, many industries are currently experiencing a shortage of the skills that are needed. One of these is the construction industry, with workers increasingly required to retrofit homes and buildings to improve their energy efficiency. Improvements in this are being driven through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – worth £54 million – however, there is a lack of workers that are skilled enough to continue progress. Similar issues are being found in the industry relied upon for the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Executive Member for Skills and Employment at London Councils, Mayor Rokshana Fiaz, said:
“London boroughs are committed to achieving net zero and doubling the assize of the green economy by 2030. There is so much potential for driving economic growth and giving Londoners of all backgrounds access to jobs as we transition to a low-carbon way of living. But the lack of investment in green skills is putting the brakes on these plans.
“The Green Skills report shows why we need a real focus and long-term funding for green skills. We also need clear strategic direction from national government so the whole country is pulling together to develop the green economy, as well as greater devolution to councils so we have the powers and autonomy to get things done. Boroughs have already installed over 15,000 EV charge points, so we know we can deliver.
“It is vital we create a green economy that works for all of our diverse communities. Green skills are crucial to achieving net zero in the coming decades and we need to invest now if we are to create the skilled workers and thriving green industries we need for the future.”
The report has recommended that a skill strategy for net zero is produced, as well as an action plan for the next five years so the city can develop its green skills. London Councils and the Greater London Authority are also being encouraged to come together to lobby the government to establish a clear policy plan for improving green skills, whilst also giving local authorities further powers to stimulate the green economy.
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