Green sector to boost world’s economy

A new report by the UN says that the fight against climate change could create millions of new jobs around the world.

According to a study cited in the UN Environmental Programme report, investment in environmental services and products is predicted to double in the next 12 years from $1.37 trillion to $2.74 trillion.

Green jobs are those that help companies and organisations reduce their environmental impact to a level that is sustainable in the long term.

This emerging green economy has already created millions of jobs worldwide, with half of the 2.3 million people employed in renewables from the developing world.

However, the report warns that jobs in the environmental sector can be ‘dirty, dangerous and difficult, especially in agriculture and recycling.

In these industries low wages, informal and insecure contracts, and exposure to hazardous materials are commonplace.

Furthermore, not enough green jobs are being created for the poorest people.

Commenting on the report Juan Somavia, director general of the International Labour Organisation, said the move towards sustainable development will involve ‘major changes’ to the consumption and production patterns of everyone around the world.

He added that it is important for employees in green jobs to be working under fair conditions.

In Brazil, for example, recycling workers have organised themselves into co-paoperatives, which has improved their pay and working conditions.

Somavia said the move towards sustainable development is a ‘global challenge’ that will influence the practices in businesses and workplaces around the world.