The creation of more green-collar jobs could combat global climate change while jump-starting the country’s ailing economy, a leading advocate of environmental justice told Western North Carolina leaders Friday.
“We will need to prepare the work force of the future,” said Majora Carter, founder of a nonprofit organization called Sustainable South Bronx and recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Genius Award. “It’s going to take leadership to get resources where they are needed the most.”
Carter was guest speaker at a forum organized by U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler at the Asheville Public Works Building. The event brought together about 25 education, environmental and business leaders.
Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat, said he agrees with the need to create jobs geared toward protecting the environment.
“Our environment is only on loan from future generations, so we need to make changes,” he said.
Carter said the administration of President Barack Obama is providing new leadership in the fight to cut global warming and protect the environment.
“We’re in a different era now,” she said. “Barack Obama is expecting us all to rise to higher expectations. We need to step up our game.
“We have a global environmental crisis. But I’m seeing glimmers of light.”
Carter said that as the country goes into debt spending billions on projects to revive the economy, the money should be spent in areas that will increase energy efficiency and improve education rather than on wasteful projects like sports arenas.
She favors projects like restoration of wetlands, building green roofs, renewable energy facilities and water conservation.
“There is always money; it’s just a question of how you want to spend it,” Carter said. “Are we going to fund real, long-term solutions? This is a time we can insist on debt having broad social benefits.”
Shuler said the Obama administration is increasing funding for vocational training for green jobs.
“Work force development is going to be the key to the next generation,” he said.
Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, a Rutherford County Democrat, pointed out at Friday’s meeting that the United States contains 5 percent of the world’s population but emits 25 percent of its greenhouse gases.
“We’ve got to do better,” he said. “The green mindset needs to become the norm.
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy said City Council has committed to reducing the city’s carbon footprint by 2 percent a year. A four-day work schedule implemented in the city’s Public Works Department has reduced emissions and cut costs, she said.
“We’re on the forefront,” Bellamy said.
source: Asheville Citizen Times
