A new global initiative launched at COP30 will seek to better align climate action with investment in human capital, workforce development and social inclusion.
The Global Initiative on Jobs & Skills for the New Economy, which was launched by a number of leaders from governments, businesses, civil society and philanthropy in collaboration with the COP30 presidency, aims to make ‘climate action work for people – creating jobs, developing skills, and ensuring social protection as economies transform’, according to a statement.
‘The spirit of mutirão’
“Here in Belém, we must show that climate action is not only about emissions and technologies, but about people and their future,” commented COP30 CEO Ana Toni. “Let us come together in the spirit of mutirão – the collective energy of communities working together – to build a fairer and more prosperous future for all.”
The launch of the initiative follows on from recent research by Systemiq and the World Resources Institute (WRI), which indicated that the climate transition could create an additional 375 million new jobs over the next decade, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, construction and nature-based solutions.
In addition, adaptation activities, such as the development of resilient infrastructure, is likely to also be a major source of employment, generating around 280 million jobs worldwide.
‘Urgent, coordinated action’
“The data is – the skills needed for jobs are changing faster than ever,” said Allen Blue, co-founder of LinkedIn, and one of the leaders involved in the initiative’s launch.
“Our research shows demand for green talent continues to grow at twice the pace of skills in the workforce. Closing this gap will only happen with urgent, coordinated action to put green training at the core of every climate and business plan. Doing so not only accelerates progress, it connects people to economic opportunity.”
The initiative has already engaged with several countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, Senegal, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, to bring knowledge and learning functions together, as well establish country and industry action partnerships.
As a foundation for further cooperation, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has published three case studies on Brazil, Kenya and Pakistan, while the German government’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) has funded a case study exploring the impact of skills shortages on global power emissions.
“The transition to a low-carbon economy will only succeed if people are positioned to benefit from it and equipped to drive it forward,” added Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of WRI. “By investing in people’s skills and potential, we turn the challenge of decarbonisation into an engine for growth and shared prosperity.” Read more here.
