Clean energy jobs a step in the right direction, Quakers say
Quakers in Britain has welcomed the first ever national plan to recruit the workers needed for clean energy.
The government said its plans would help train the 400,000 new workers needed by 2030, with high demand for plumbers, electricians and welders.
Quakers applauded support for heat network projects, heat pump compressor manufacture and solar and wind projects. But they urged caution about reliance on carbon capture.
Tanya Jones, climate justice lead for Quakers in Britain, said: “We welcome this long-awaited move towards a just transition from fossil fuels to a clean future.
“In so far as it represents real and effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is an important step.
“However, as we told the government in May, it should not rely too heavily on carbon capture, utilisation and storage, which are expensive, unproven at scale and could delay real progress."
Along with many groups working for a clean energy future, Quakers believe that the shift towards a low-carbon economy must address the needs of all communities and workers affected.
So, they welcomed plans for five new clean energy Technical Excellence Colleges, new money to upskill oil and gas workers for the clean energy sector and career opportunities for school leavers, unemployed people, military veterans, and former prisoners.
Government faces climate test as COP30 nears
As the government's plans were announced it emerged that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would be attending COP30 in Brazil in three weeks.
Jones said: “This year's COP is a critical one, with issues of forest protection, national pledges and climate finance high on the agenda.
“We urge the prime minister to show leadership, especially on loss and damage."
Quakers said they were hopeful that the announcements represented the government's recommitment to its climate agenda.
And they urged the government to robustly refuse permission for drilling in the Rosebank oil field, which they say is incompatible with the UK's climate commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Norwegian state oil firm Equinor recently resubmitted its application to develop the oil field to the west of Shetland.
There is now a 30-day public consultation before the UK government decides whether to approve it.