Green jobs becoming a reality: Progress and outlook 2013

International Labour Organization (ILO)

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Abstract: Sustainable development has been one of the most widely discussed topics in 2012. The Rio+20 Conference and other high-level events that took place over the course of the year offered the opportunity to debate how best to achieve sustainable development and address its three pillars (social, economic and environmental development) equally. Country experiences from around the world have demonstrated that the creation of green jobs contributes significantly to sustainable development. Indeed, decent and environmentally sustainable employment provide a constructive and indispensable answer to the multiple global challenges of social equity and inclusion, human well-being, economic development and environmental protection. At national level, green jobs present an effective means for reviving economies and creating employment, whilst reducing the environmental impact of enterprises. Green jobs can also play a key role in promoting socially inclusive development, as they provide adequate income, social protection and the respect of workers’ rights. In essence, green jobs are also decent jobs.