Green jobs, just transition and the future of work

Policies around climate action have increasingly emphasised the intersection between environmental measures and job creation. This chapter explores the evolving narrative of ‘green jobs’ in the context of renewable energy transitions, where the shift to a low-carbon economy is seen as an opportunity to generate new, secure, and better employment prospects. While estimates suggest that millions of green jobs could be generated globally, persistent challenges remain in terms of job insecurity and exclusionary practices. To address these issues, the chapter advocates for the integration of worker-environmentalist coalitions and a recognition of the shared interests of ecological conservation and worker well-being. For a green future of work, comprehensive policy measures, active industrial strategies, and investments in renewable energy sectors are crucial. Governments must implement frameworks that connect renewable energy jobs with skills agendas and amplify the voices of trade unions in shaping the future of employment. This will ensure an inclusive transition towards a green future of work, minimising disparities and creating equitable opportunities for all stakeholders.