Future skill needs for the green economy
A key issue for policy-makers and stakeholders dealing with climate change is how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and alternative forms of energy and transport. Mitigation technologies, policies and measures are designed at national, European, international and sector levels. They include mainly construction, agriculture, manufacturing and transport.
Green technologies offer the possibility of new green jobs for those who respond quickly to the developing green economy. New green jobs will require new skills in new and emerging occupations. Identifying those skills may make action to combat climate change more effective.
Everyone needs to be involved in mitigating climate change. Efficient coordination of measures in Member States, regions and communities is vital to keeping costs low. The EU plays an important role in supporting action to adjust to climate change by finetuning policies, filling knowledge gaps and coordinating strategies.
On 6 and 7 October 2008 Cedefop’s workshop on ‘Future skill needs for the green economy’ identified and increased knowledge about the implications of climate change for educating and training professionals and associate professionals who are involved in mitigating climate change. Relevant professionals include natural resource managers, science and engineering professionals, especially in physical and earth science, life science professionals, architects, planners, surveyors and designers. The main focus was on energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation skills determining the core element of future green jobs. We felt that there was an urgent need to bring interested parties together to
review the latest research findings on emerging skills needed for the green economy.
This publication is based on the contributions from workshop participants. A strong international portfolio of presenters confirms our view on timeliness and importance of the subject. The case studies highlight the results of initiatives carried out by researchers identifying skills for green jobs. Key trends and future skills and occupational requirements were examined. An international perspective on skills required is followed by skill needs for green jobs for sustainable development and changing qualification needs in jobs for renewable energies. The challenge after such an event is how to carry on the work, considering present economic and social transformations.
The current economic downturn has spurred response packages in many countries with large-scale infrastructure and energy projects with greening components. The success of these response packages in overcoming the economic crisis is fully conditional on availability of adequate skills, as well as policies and capacities to prepare the labour force for the greening economy requirements. Cedefop, in cooperation with ILO, will continue to identify the strategic skills development responses of Member States in the light of environmental degradation, climate change and the global call for greening economies.
Future skill needs for the green economy.pdf
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