New climate change rules could create jobs

10:15am Thursday 1st May 2008

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REACTING positively to new climate change legislation could create 1,500 new jobs and bring a significant boost to Cumbria's economy, according to a study commissioned by economic development agency Cumbria Vision.

Cumbria Vision, in association with Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Strategic Partnership Climate Change Task Force, commissioned consultants Quantum to carry out an assessment of the economic opportunities and potential threats posed by incoming European and UK climate change legislation.

The findings were presented to around 80 people from public sector organisations and businesses at a workshop at University of Cumbria's Newton Rigg campus yesterday (Wednesday, April 30).

The report says that an estimated 1,500 new jobs could be created by branching into forms of renewable energy production that could easily find a home in Cumbria - in particular biomass and tidal and wave - and by encouraging microgeneration among businesses in the County.

Improving the County's grid connection to serve a new nuclear power station and off shore windfarms would alone safeguard 1,000 jobs, while another 500 jobs would be safeguarded at companies that rise to the challenge of higher energy bills and become more energy efficient.

Simon Sjenitzer, Strategy Director at Cumbria Vision, said: "Cumbria needs to respond positively to climate change legislation so that we can diversify the economy and establish the County as a centre for energy generation and innovation."

The report The Economic Implications of Climate Change Legislation for Cumbria' is now being finalised following Thursday's workshop. The findings will be published at www.cumbriastrategicpartnership.org.uk and www.cumbriavision.co.uk.