SUPPORTING JOB CREATION OPPORTUNITIES FROM ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The phenomenon of climate change affects the lives of people in many ways. Among others it is transforming employment prospects and incomes around the world. Particularly in developing countries, jobs and livelihoods of many people are at risk because of the high reliance on income from agricultural activities. Climate change also results in greater instability in weather conditions and natural disasters such as floods and heat waves that can cause crop failure and reduced income. Climate change will furthermore have employment and income impacts in the industrial countries as the effects of climate change reach key employment sectors. For these reasons the creation of new green employment opportunities for the future will play an important role in both industrial and developing countries in the coming low-carbon world. Other jobs by contrast will be profoundly transformed, shifted or will even disappear. This shows, climate change means at the same time both risk and opportunity for employment and incomes in all areas of the world.

Assessing the current conditions

The impacts of climate change on employment and incomes are complex in nature and have been the subject of a large body of scientific publications. Against this backdrop, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) commissioned the CSCP to conduct a review of recent research literature on the impacts of climate change on employment and incomes around the world. The objective of the project, entitled “Climate Change Impacts on Employment Incomes” was to collect and assess current literature on the issue to identify gaps and generate suggestions for further research in support of ILO policy action. The project looked upon economic and social impacts arising from the physical impacts of climate change as well as from mitigation and adaptation measures that are likely to be taken by governments and business. The review focused on the energy, agriculture/forestry/fisheries, tourism, transport, housing/construction and manufacturing sectors. Opportunities to create employment and income through mitigation and adaptation measures were a particular focus of the review.

Suggestions made to the ILO

The final project paper highlights potential actions that can be taken by the ILO to stimulate new job creating opportunities in relation to climate change. First, scientific research on the linkage between climate change and employment impacts needs to be strengthened in order to close existing knowledge gaps related to climate change and employment impacts. Second, dialogue between the relevant actors needs to be deepened. This includes the creation of discussion- and knowledge-sharing-platforms for representatives of governments, industry, trade unions and civil society to initiate learning processes and allow coordinated actions. Third, agenda setting and guidance is needed to deal with the effects of climate change on employment. The ILO could develop, examine and implement supportive tools, programmes and necessary policy measures such as workforce retraining and education programs.  

Background

The project was initiated and financed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) within the framework of its programme on research, advisory and cooperation on the social dimensions of climate change within the UN system and its member countries.