EU hopes for ‘green’ jobs from climate action

Progress on the creation of a “resource-efficient” Europe with a single market for “green” products is expected to be outlined at a press conference held by EU environment and energy ministers today.

The conference follows informal discussions yesterday on a range of environmental and climate change issues, which may have a spin-off in job creation in green sectors, such as renewable energies.

Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said the two-day conference presented an opportunity for ministers to discuss green issues such as the intelligent use of resources, within the “stability, jobs and growth” theme of the Irish presidency.

Mr Hogan said the development of “a functioning single market for green products” was an essential part of ensuring “a Europe-wide transition to a resource-efficient, climate-resilient and low-carbon future”.

At yesterday’s session, ministers were addressed by UN Environment Programme executive director Achim Steiner. The ministers also discussed air quality and the urban environment, in advance of the review of the EU’s thematic strategy on air pollution later this year.