Green jobs will help us rebuild communities and economies and the good news is we can start right now. As we begin to repair the economy it’s crucial that we invest in programs that help move society forward in a sustainable way. It’s time that we shifted from an economy based on unsustainable consumption and burning fossil fuels to one that actively mitigates climate change.

COVID-19 is shining a light on the inequities of modern society. Around the globe, economies are tumbling and governments are being forced to step in and find quick fixes to issues of social justice. Housing the homeless, ensuring access to health for everyone and levelling out welfare systems that were grossly inadequate.

The global economy, to now, has been one that focuses on growth at all costs. Heavily subsidised fossil fuels driving a lot of that growth. People have not been valued as essential ingredients of a successful business.

There’s no doubt that many people are experiencing genuine hardship right now. And there’s no doubt that political leaders will have their eyes fixed on the economy and how to repair it when Covid-19 becomes less of a threat.

As we begin to repair the economy it’s crucial we invest in programs that help move society forward in a sustainable way. It’s time that we shifted from an economy based on unsustainable consumption and burning fossil fuels to one that actively mitigates climate change.

And the good news is that we don’t need to wait to be able to do that. We can start right now.

The Byron Shire in NSW is famous for its beaches and laid-back lifestyle. It’s a beacon for international travellers. The largest economic driver and employer in Byron Shire is the visitor economy. Traditional occupancy rates over Easter sit at around 90% but now they’re well below 20% and expected to drop even further. Opportunities for alternative employment in the Shire are minimal. There are thousands of people now unemployed.

Similarly, the Daintree in Far North Queensland relies on tourism as its primary economic driver. The only way to get to the Daintree is via a Council-operated ferry. Due to the Coronavirus, the ferry is closed to anyone but local residents and essential services. It is not possible, nor is it appropriate for people to visit the region right now. This has left many small businesses unviable and hundreds of people unemployed.

Dave Pinson is ready to plant more trees

We know we can get these people working in green jobs right now.  Restoring our environment is one of the most practical ways to keep people employed while achieving real outcomes for society.

Shovel-ready projects will help the economy recover and there’s no-one better placed to deliver shovel-ready jobs than the environment sector. It’s as simple as planting trees. By doing so we restore complex natural ecosystems, sequester carbon from the atmosphere and provide real jobs.

We have projects underway in the Daintree and Byron Shire right now that will generate employment for Rainforest Rangers and restore important habitat. But we need your help to keep them rolling out.

These projects can be scaled up or down depending on group gathering restrictions. Even one person can be planting trees and achieving outcomes for wildlife.

Each Rainforest Ranger is supported remotely by a team manager while working alone or as a pair in rainforest ecosystems. We conduct weekly health and safety checks and a risk assessment at each site to ensure it’s suitable for an employee to work on while solo. We have a tree-planting protocol that is not impacted upon by current Coronavirus restrictions.

Working in rainforest ecosystems fast-tracks environmental outcomes. Rainforest trees grow quickly, creating shade cover and habitat for wildlife. Rainforests are the lungs of our earth and they’re in serious danger. By planting trees in rainforests right now we’re delivering outcomes for climate, people, wildlife and the economy.

Societal change is happening at a rapid rate – whether we like it or not. And it’s time for societies to adapt. We have a real opportunity to reshape the way we create employment. Together we can kickstart the Green Economy right now. Let’s invest and make it happen.

We need both small and large scale investors to create this new economy.  You can secure employment for a Rainforest Ranger right now by making a donation online or by contacting Kelvin Davies on 0437 423 119.