Climate Action Paves the Way for Green Jobs

The global push for climate action is driving the creation of green jobs, essential for meeting environmental goals and transforming economies. However, this shift requires robust policies to manage job losses in traditional sectors and address gender disparities in emerging opportunities, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Green jobs require both theoretical and practical skills, as well as a vision aligned with environmental conservation. The International Labour Organization estimates that by 2030, 24 million new jobs could be created worldwide, provided sustainable practices are adopted and implemented. These jobs are expected to primarily emerge in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy, construction, and manufacturing.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the creation of green jobs in the coming years will help millions of people escape poverty and enjoy a better quality of life. This aligns with one of the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal number eight, Decent Work and Economic Growth, which emphasizes the commitment of nations to a just transition and the creation of decent and green jobs.

However, the transition to sustainable development will undoubtedly result in job losses, particularly in the oil industry and livestock sector, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). ILO projects that approximately 6 million jobs could be lost by 2030. An analysis by the IMF indicates that this will mainly affect emerging economies, where job losses could reach 2.5%, compared to 1% in more advanced economies.

The IMF notes that facilitating the transition for workers will require an appropriate combination of policies, including job training programs and investment in green technologies. Additionally, incentives for remaining in more polluting occupations should be reduced, according to the institution. In the long term, this is expected to benefit workers' well-being, as green-intensive jobs are estimated to offer wages around 7% higher than those in more polluting sectors.

Gender disparity is another factor to consider in the creation of green jobs. By 2050, over 80% of new jobs created to decarbonize the planet will be in sectors dominated by men unless structural gender inequalities in the region are addressed, according to the IDB. "Women are among the most affected by the environmental, economic, and social disruptions caused by climate change, and at the same time, these groups are the ones who take the most action in defense of the environment," the IDB states.

IDB’s article, Green Jobs: Opportunities for Women in the Region, proposes the creation of women-led businesses based on natural resources, using technology to enhance agricultural production, lead water and land management, biofuel production, and forest protection. "To achieve this, it is necessary to increase the labor competencies required for these technical positions, which remain male-dominated and, for various reasons, are not seen as a safe or attractive space for girls and women," emphasizes the study. 

An example of such women-led businesses is seen in Zambia's green jobs program, which, using green technologies, trained a group of women in housing construction and solar panel installation, providing clean electricity to the community. "Zambia faces a severe energy crisis; many people have never had electricity. The program provided skills that have transformed the lives of women, benefiting the entire community and reducing environmental impact," reads a statement by the UN.

At the national level, the Pollinating Women program, promoted by Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA), has trained 779 women since 2019 to work as gardeners, entrepreneurs, or even create associations focused on pollinator gardens. This initiative has contributed to the creation of 806 pollinator gardens in various parts of the city and has helped restore biodiversity while providing knowledge, skills, and competencies to the participants, benefiting their economic and social development.

In 2023, the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean agreed to advance the Green Jobs Pact for Youth in the region, one of the sectors most affected by the lack of decent jobs. In this regard, Rogelio Gómez Hermosillo, Executive President, Acción Ciudadana Frente a la Pobreza, highlighted that in Mexico, there are approximately 16 million people aged 15 to 29 in labor poverty. The Green Jobs Pact for Youth in the region aims to increase commitment and accelerate action toward creating green jobs focused on youth and women, especially from the most disadvantaged and climate-vulnerable groups. 

“By implementing the Pact collaboratively with youth and for their benefit, we can address both the climate crisis and the green skills gap comprehensively. This allows us to scale youth entrepreneurship initiatives across the region while promoting a low-carbon, circular economy that actively includes women,” said Joyce Mendez, Youth Advisor on Climate Change, UN.