In a new groundbreaking study, the Inter-American Development Bank
(IDB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that the
transition to a net-zero emission economy could create 15 million
net new jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030. To support
a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the region
urgently needs to create decent jobs and build a more sustainable
and inclusive future. The report finds that the transition to a
net-zero carbon economy would end...Request free trial
In a new groundbreaking study, the Inter-American Development
Bank (IDB) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) show
that the transition to a net-zero emission economy could create 15
million net new jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030. To
support a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the
region urgently needs to create decent jobs and build a more
sustainable and inclusive future.
The report finds that the transition to a net-zero carbon
economy would end 7.5 million jobs in fossil fuel electricity,
fossil fuel extraction, and animal-based food production. However,
these lost jobs are more than compensated for new employment
opportunities: 22.5 million jobs are created in agriculture and
plant-based food production, renewable electricity, forestry,
construction, and manufacturing.
The report is also the first of its kind to highlight how
shifting to healthier and more sustainable diets, which reduce meat
and dairy consumption while increasing plant-based foods, would
create jobs and reduce pressure on the region’s unique
biodiversity. With this shift, LAC’s agri-food sector could expand
the creation of 19 million full-time equivalent jobs despite 4.3
million fewer jobs in livestock, poultry, dairy and
fishing.
Moreover, the report offers a blueprint on how countries can
create decent jobs and transition to net-zero emissions. This
includes policies facilitating the reallocation of workers, advance
decent work in rural areas, offer new business models, enhance
social protection and support to displaced, enterprises,
communities and workers.
Social dialogue between the private sector, trade unions, and
governments is essential to design long-term strategies to achieve
net-zero emissions, which creates jobs, helps to reduce inequality
and delivers on the Sustainable Development Goals.
About the IDB
The mission of the Inter-American Development Bank is to improve
lives. Founded in 1959, the IDB is one of the main sources of
long-term funding for the economic, social and institutional
development of Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also
develops cutting-edge research projects and offers advising on
policy, technical assistance and training to public and private
clients throughout the region.
About the ILO
The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together
governments, employers and workers of 187 member States to set and
promote standards and fundamental principles and rights at work,
create greater opportunities for women and men to decent employment
and income, enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social
protection for all, and strengthen tripartism and social
dialogue.
