Climate change poses the greatest threat to those least responsible for it, including low-income and disadvantaged populations, women, racial minorities, marginalized ethnic groups and the elderly. To make matters worse, these groups are already vulnerable to other deep-rooted challenges. Conversely, those who have contributed the most to climate change have much better capacity to protect themselves from its impacts.
How can we ensure a just transition to the green economy?
The global shift to a green economy could create 18 million jobs, with the potential to provide high-quality employment and livelihoods around the world.
But what about the people and communities whose livelihoods, right now, depend on the fossil fuel or other high-carbon sectors?
An estimated 6 million jobs in coal-powered electricity, petroleum extraction and other sectors could disappear by 2030. Many of the new green jobs will require different skills than previous energy jobs or will be in new locations.
If this complex transition is not managed in a just and equitable way, it could create unnecessary hardship for affected workers and their communities, and even lead to pushback that could slow the implementation of crucial climate policies.
Two men install solar panels in the United States. A successful transition to a green economy is possible, but not without proactive planning and open dialogues with workers and communities impacted by the shift. Photo by Science in HD/Unsplash
The global shift to a green economy could create 18 million jobs, with the potential to provide high-quality employment and livelihoods around the world.
But what about the people and communities whose livelihoods, right now, depend on the fossil fuel or other high-carbon sectors?
An estimated 6 million jobs in coal-powered electricity, petroleum extraction and other sectors could disappear by 2030. Many of the new green jobs will require different skills than previous energy jobs or will be in new locations.