Generation Zero welcomes Jobs After Coal report
Jobs After Coal, the report released today by Coal Action Network Aotearoa, is an important contribution to the debate about New Zealand's future, says youth organisation Generation Zero.
“Jobs After Coal highlights why our government must have a strategy from moving beyond coal if it really cares about the long-term prosperity of coal mining communities and New Zealand at large,” says spokesperson Paul Young.
“Everyone acknowledges that the future is in clean energy, and this important report shows how workers in the mining sector can transfer their skills to many other industries including renewable energy and forestry.
“With a Clean Energy Plan to phase out fossil fuels, like Denmark has, New Zealand can position itself near the head of the pack and maximise our share of the growing clean economy. PricewaterhouseCoopers has estimated this could earn us up to $22 billion per year in exports.
“Right now the Government as no plan whatsoever and seems to think business as usual is a viable option. Not only is it failing in its responsibly to protect young people's future, it's failing coal mining communities who deserve a strategy offering them long-term prosperity beyond coal.”
ENDS