The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (24 September) urged the Welsh Government to prioritise the creation of long-term green jobs in all green recovery proposals.  

It comes as the Chairman of the Welsh Government’s Green Recovery Taskforce has stated that climate change and Coronavirus recovery “must be tackled together.” According to reports, the team has received more than 180 ideas for policies and projects and are presently deciding which to take forward. The taskforce is set to report to the Welsh Environment Minister, Lesley Griffiths MS, later this autumn.  

The Shadow Minister said: 

“Climate change is among the greatest challenges of our time. Our nation’s COVID-19 recovery offers an unparalleled opportunity to help stimulate the creation of long-term green collar jobs that will help Wales more effectively meet its carbon emission targets in the years to come. 

“Proposals for innovative floating offshore wind farms, which would find space approximately 45km away from the coastline, can potentially generate over 3,000 long-term green jobs. It is collaborative plans such at this which must be prioritised throughout any Coronavirus recovery period. 

“I am adamant that the creation of green collar jobs must lie at the heart of any proposals brought before the Welsh Government by the Welsh Green Recovery Taskforce. It is only by empowering businesses and job creators that Wales will effectively meet its climate obligations. 

“The Welsh Conservatives will continue to press for bold and innovative leadership on the present climate emergency, including sensible and targeted business-first plans that help to nurture green collar jobs and cut emissions.” 

ENDS