AMs debate findings of green economy inquiry

The National Assembly for Wales will today (13 October) debate the findings of an inquiry set up to examine job creation opportunities in the green economy.

The Enterprise and Learning Committee called for the green economy to be made central rather than peripheral to the Welsh Government’s economic development policies.

The Committee concluded that sectors such as home energy efficient refurbishment, marine renewables and procurement presented significant potential for job creation, although there are clearly challenges to overcome.

Chair of the Committee, Gareth Jones AM, said: “The evidence we heard demonstrated potential for employment generation in the green economy but also a need for the Welsh Government to create the right conditions for this to happen, such as stimulating markets for green businesses and technologies in the short term, providing a healthy environment for those markets to grow long term, and investing in the skills base that will be required for a low-carbon future.

“I am pleased the Minister for the Economy and Transport has accepted the majority of the recommendations from our inquiry. Yet it’s time for more action and fewer Government strategies. I therefore look forward to a more coherent and more progressive approach from the Welsh Government from here onwards, as is already happening in Scotland.