Green jobs

In the up coming elections in Sweden the green investments, technology and jobs have evolved to a central subject. The green party (Miljöpartiet) is running a dialogue with potential stake holders, such as bus manufacturers. We are of course happy for the attention and opportunity to increase employment in the sustainable transport sector and to contribute to a better environment at the same time.

 

 

The Volvo 7700 Hybrid introduced in Trondheim, Norway, is an example of very green jobs. In this picture the 7700 Hybrid demo bus is parked in front of the Nidaros Cathedral with history starting in 1070.

 

A recent study performed for the UK shows the employment in sustainable transports. The sustainable transports studied are: rail, light rail, bus and coach, cycles and walking. It is found that most jobs can be created in the bus and coach sector (62% of the direct jobs in sustainable transports and 46% of the jobs in the supply chain for sustainable transports).
 
In the study it is concluded that the sustainable transport sector is a major employer in the UK. Interestingly, it is found that when people switch from cars to public transports from an employment standpoint this change is favourable. The job creation in the public transport sector more than compensates the decline of jobs in the car industry.
 
You can read the study here.
 

Low energy recreation

A couple of years ago I met with a development director in the automotive industry who reflected on his own interest for motor sports. “In a way”, he said, “racing cars are the only cars where the fuel consumption is not an issue”. He continued: “When I race my sports car I have already taken the position that this is a hobby that is more important to me than the cost it takes and the environmental load it expose”.

I have often thought about that statement. The same argument can be used for holiday travels to remote resorts and other activities during the vacation. For the once involved, the priority is clear. But, there is always room for a choice. During my vacation I try to chose activities that have low environmental load. In particular by avoiding use of large amounts of energy.

This summer, as most summers, I have been sailing with my family in the archipelago of the Swedish west coast and I have also spent last week walking in the mountains of Helags. The mountains are some 700 km north of Gothenburg and I felt that the joy of walking is worth the cost and time of the drive. By choosing a highly efficient diesel car and by stuffing it full with people and back packs the environmental load was minimised. Possibly I’m biased but for me, using low amounts of energy also brings me more recreation and rest than when I need to hurry to distant resorts to find some peace.