Pre-reading questions:
- Have you made any changes in your home to become more energy efficient? If so, what was it? If not, what could you do to become more energy efficient?
- What green technologies are you most excited about for the future? Could you elaborate on your answer?
Vocabulary:
- economy /ih-KON-uh-mee/
- decline /dih-KLAHYN/
- inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn/
- investment /in-VEST-muhnt /
- appealing /uh-PEE-ling/
[noun] – the system of trade and industry by which the wealth of a country is made and used
The global economy has been facing numerous challenges in recent years, leading to an increase in unemployment rates.
[noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength
The decline of the manufacturing industry in certain regions has had a significant impact on the local economy and employment rates.
[noun] – a general, continuous increase in prices
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling.
[noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage, or the money, effort, time, etc. used to do this
Investment in education and technology is considered key to ensuring long-term economic growth and prosperity.
[adjective] – attractive or interesting
The company’s new marketing campaign was designed to make the brand more appealing to a younger market.
Article reading:
Scottish and English regions such as Tyneside, Teeside, Merseyside, and the Humber have particularly thrived in the green economy, outpacing London and the South East in growth. The CBI’s report also found that green jobs pay more, with an average salary of £42,600 compared to the national average of £33,400. However, the UK’s strong position in green technology is at risk as other countries, including the US, are offering more attractive destinations for green funding. The US’s recent Inflation Reduction Act, allocating $369 billion towards combating climate change, has disrupted the global green investment landscape and made the US a more appealing option. In response, the UK government has pledged to support up to 480,000 green jobs by 2030, driven by £100 billion in private sector investment and £30 billion in government funding.
Despite these efforts, some believe that the UK needs to move faster in planning and consenting for renewables and vehicle charging to maintain its position as a leading destination for green investment.
Comprehension questions
- What are some benefits of the UK’s transition to a greener economy, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)?
- Which regions in the UK have thrived in the green economy and outperformed others in growth?
- Why is the UK’s strong position in green technology at risk, according to the CBI’s report?
- What measures has the UK government taken to support green jobs?
- What is the total amount of funding from private sector investment and government funding for green jobs in the UK?
Discussion questions
- Are there any positive changes in your community as a result of the transition to a greener economy?
- Have you ever considered working in a green job or pursuing a career in the green economy? Why or why not?
- If green jobs were paid the same as the national average, would more people consider working in the green economy?
- Do you agree that the UK’s transition to a greener economy has brought positive benefits for the country? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, do you think the UK government is doing enough to support the country’s green economy and tackle climate change, or is more action needed?