As a society, we’re facing the urgent need to change how we live in order to address the threat of climate change. Go Higher West Yorkshire recognises the role that education and skills have in supporting a transition to a fairer, cleaner economy.

The UK government has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with support to help businesses and consumers move to clean power, create hundreds of thousands of well-paid green jobs and leveraging up to £90 billion of private investment by 2030. See FAQs below for more information.

Regionally, a climate emergency was declared for West Yorkshire in 2019, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have announced an ambition to become a net zero carbon economy by 2038. To support this, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin has pledged to create 1,000 green jobs for young people.

Our universities and colleges train and educate across a wide range of industry sectors, all of which will have to adapt to meet net zero commitments. Therefore, Higher Education has a vital role to play in preparing our current and future workforce for a low-carbon economy.

Go Higher West Yorkshire aims to support businesses to improve their sustainability and contribute towards net-zero ambitions by linking them to green skills provision in the region.