Posted: Saturday, 12 December 2009
Abstract
Canada and the world must address the climate crisis – the most urgent issue of our time. There is a desperate need to stop the average global temperature from rising any more than 2°C. We are also faced with a serious global economic crisis that requires decisive action. 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 green job creation. There are three core sectors within which green jobs can be created: energy efficiency and conservation, transit and high-speed rail, and renewable energy, reflecting both electricity generation and primary energy.
Green, Decent and Public focuses on the distinct opportunities of the public sector to play a prominent role in generating decent green jobs. This begins with a discussion of the economic growth potential of green jobs and the shovel-ready capacity of the public sector. This is followed by a closer examination of energy efficiency opportunities in the electricity sector and beyond. Focus is then shifted to the electricity sector and the tremendous potential for green job creation associated with renewable power generation. Departing from the historical pattern of public power systems, today there is a trend towards market liberalization in Canadian electricity sectors. This is problematic for a number of reasons including decreased accountability, higher electricity prices and concerns with limited reliability.
Public and community ownership of renewable power generation is offered as an alternate path to further market liberalization that has distinct advantages. These advantages include retaining economic revenues, maximizing social benefits, prioritizing conservation and ensuring energy security.
Check out the Green Jobs in the Electricity Sector Fact Sheets.
Green, Decent and Public