The energy transition is transforming the labor market, generating a growing demand for green jobs in sectors such as renewable energies, energy-efficient building rehabilitation, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy. These areas are key to addressing the challenges of climate change and meeting the international commitments established in the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
The global labor market is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the World Economic Forum, between 75% and 85% of the most demanded professions in 2030 do not exist yet. This gap reflects the urgency of training the workforce to adapt to the new requirements. The report The Future of Jobs Report 2020 highlights that almost half of the workers will need to change their activity, many of them towards occupations related to the green economy.
The green economy, defined by the UN as one that promotes human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks, is not limited to a specific sector but encompasses a wide range of activities oriented towards sustainability.
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Sectors with high demand for green jobs
The spectrum of green jobs includes activities such as:
- Installation of photovoltaic solar systems.
- Design of components for electric vehicles.
- Energy-efficient building rehabilitation.
- Agroecological practices and biodiversity.
- Ecological restoration and circular economy.
This new profile of workers, referred to by Deloitte as “green-collar workers”, reflects the evolution of traditional manufacturing jobs (blue-collar) and administrative tasks (white-collar).
Benefits and opportunities of the transition
The energy transition not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change, but also drives job creation. According to Deloitte, by 2050, over 300 million new jobs linked to this transformation could be generated. Additionally, the ILO indicates that green jobs offer advantages such as:
- Reduction in energy and raw material consumption.
- Limitation of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Minimization of waste and pollution.
- Conservation of ecosystems and improved adaptation to climate change.
Overcoming talent shortage
Despite these opportunities, the transition faces significant challenges. The lack of qualified workers is a crucial obstacle: 8 out of 10 companies report difficulties in filling vacancies in renewable energies and energy efficiency, according to a Manpower study. Additionally, sectors with ecological intensity offer salaries 7% higher than those in polluting sectors, according to the IMF, but strategies are needed to make these jobs more attractive.
In Europe, it is estimated that the European Green Deal could generate between 700,000 and 1,000,000 green jobs in the next decade if effectively implemented, according to a report by Forética.
The energy transition represents a labor revolution that combines sustainability with economic growth. Through inclusive policies, adequate training, and supportive tools, the social and environmental benefits of this change can be maximized. Green jobs are not only a necessity but also an opportunity to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable labor future.
What is defined as a green job?
According to the International Labour Organization, these jobs help preserve and restore the environment, whether in traditional sectors such as manufacturing or construction or in emerging sectors like renewable energies and energy efficiency.
Likewise, green jobs can also contribute to more environmentally friendly production processes in companies. These processes can reduce water consumption and even improve the recycling system.
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