How do we transition to a green economy without leaving anyone behind?

According to an article published in the IDB Invest’s blog, the transition to a green economy with zero emissions is a significant challenge for communities and countries that depend on fossil fuels and other emissions-intensive sectors. Therefore, it is a priority to ensure that the economic transition is environmentally friendly, sustainable, resilient and equitable.

According to International Labour Organization (ILO) and IDB’s projections, the transition could create 22.5 million green jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean region. At the same time, it could lead to the loss of 7.5 million current jobs in sectors such as energy extraction and generation, as well as the production of animal-based foods. This is why it is essential to develop strategies to understand the skills needed in this transition, train the workforce in new processes and technologies, and generate inclusive jobs.

The authors affirm that this transition presents a great opportunity to unlock structural and systematic barriers that have generated inequalities in the region. Moreover, they state that the green economy will enable new opportunities for green leadership, jobs, products and services, opening up space for greater gender equity and diversity in workforces and value chains.