Green job generation: How cities are leading the way

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🗞️ Driving the news: Cities are leading the push for green job creation, addressing the global shortage of skills needed for climate action
• A report by C40 Cities and the Circle Economy Foundation finds that green jobs account for 10% of total employment in major cities, with potential for growth across key sectors like transportation and construction
• However, rising inequalities and job informality, especially in the Global South, challenge the accessibility of green jobs

🔭 The context: Urban climate initiatives create 33% more jobs than traditional approaches, but significant skills gaps hinder progress
• Efforts to align training with job demands are underway, such as the NYC Accelerator's energy efficiency programs and EU investment in sustainable workforce development
• In cities like Accra, addressing youth unemployment and informal labor are central to advancing green goals

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Expanding green jobs is crucial for achieving climate targets and ensuring a just transition that benefits all workers
• The energy transition can mitigate economic losses projected from climate inaction, estimated to reach 20% of global GDP by 2100
• Empowering marginalized groups and local communities through inclusive green job policies can reduce urban inequalities and foster resilience

⏭️ What's next: City governments are leveraging partnerships with businesses, unions, and educational institutions to close skills gaps and support workforce transitions
• Targeted incentives like tax deductions and apprenticeships are being used to encourage local green job creation
• Ongoing efforts will focus on scaling up projects, especially in sectors like construction, waste management, and electric transport

💬 One quote: "Investing in our people can increase the pace, scale, effectiveness, and success of climate action for local economies" – C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

📈 One stat: Green jobs make up over 26% of the workforce in C40 European cities, but labor shortages persist in sectors like energy efficiency

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