Background
Many countries have developed national programs for sustainable development including addressing the challenges of climate change. There is a growing awareness that employment and labor market policies can contribute to a smooth transition to more sustainable growth by identifying opportunities for green jobs. Strategies for green jobs are set to become increasingly important part of employment generation efforts in many countries.
“Green jobs” does not lend itself to a precise definition but includes the direct employment which reduces environmental impact ultimately to the levels that are sustainable. This includes jobs that help to reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials, decarbonizes the economy, protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity, and minimize the production of waste and pollution. Thus green jobs could lead to lower environmental impacts directly or indirectly. The range of profiles of green jobs includes highly skilled research and development and management functions as well as low skilled work. The largest number of already existing and future green jobs is concentrated in sectors directly linked to the use of energy and the recovery of raw materials. These include:
- Improvements in the energy efficiency;
- Renewable energy;
- Mass transportation contributing to reduced number of use of individual means of transport;
- Recycling and reuse;
- Sustainable use of natural resources: agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and
- Environmental services.
Print
Email