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How can the green jobs boom avoid leaving workers behind?

(Context, 1 May 2023) As pressure grows to protect the climate and environment, green jobs are in demand but skills are falling short in the global workforce

When it comes to predicting the future of green jobs globally, the numbers look impressive. Tens of millions could be created this decade in clean energy and nature protection alone, as fossil fuel industries shrink and green investment grows.

But what exactly are these new roles, where will be they be located, will they pay fairly, and what skills will be required?

Workers themselves, especially those in polluting industries, have doubts about the optimistic outlook presented by international agencies, said Nick Pesta, a senior strategy associate at RMI, a U.S.-based energy transition think tank.

"If we don't start answering those questions, it's going to be hard to pull off the very good and correct goals of the just transition," he said.

And while the spotlight is on coal, oil and gas workers who need to be reskilled in renewable energy, labour experts point to a host of emerging green occupations - from recycled fashion to carbon accounting, urban gardening and electric bus mechanics - as younger generations seek more sustainable careers.

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Context, 1 May 2023: How can the green jobs boom avoid leaving workers behind?