Taken from: Galina Kondratenko en Unsplash
The growing global concern about climate change is driving a deep economic transformation, especially in Latin America. Entire industries are embracing a new paradigm: sustainability.
This transition to a green economy demands a workforce highly trained in green skills. Governments and businesses are working together to spread this transformation, investing in education, research and development. However, although the region has taken important steps, it still faces challenges such as job retraining and the need to ensure a fair transition.
Growing Green Opportunities
According to a recent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable energy jobs reached 12,7 million in 2022, an increase of 700,000 new jobs in a single year, despite the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the growing energy crisis.
In Latin America, although there was a slowdown in 2020, the trend is positive, with countries such as Brazil leading the increase. Still, the region's potential is still far from being fully exploited.
Taken from: Informe BID Empleos y habilidades verdes en América Latina: Una mirada a los datos de LinkedIn.
International climate agreements, such as COP26, underscore the urgency of accelerating this transformation. Investing in clean energy and sustainable technologies not only will help mitigate climate change, but also generate new employment opportunities and promote more equitable economic development.
The Key Role of Startups
Startups are driving innovation in the region, developing technological solutions for energetic efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture and electric transportation. In countries like Chile, these companies are transforming traditional sectors such as mining.
Taken from: Informe BID Empleos y habilidades verdes en América Latina: Una mirada a los datos de LinkedIn
The Path to a Green Future
The transition towards a green economy requires joint effort. Regional cooperation is essential to share knowledge and technologies, strengthen economies and improve the quality life of citizens. Projects such as integrating power grids and creating sustainable transport corridors are examples of this collaboration.
To accelerate it, it is crucial to:
- Closing the skills gap: investing in education and training to develop the skills needed in the green labour market.
- Encourage public policies: create a favorable environment for investment in clean energy and the generation of green jobs.
- Guarantee a fair transit: ensure that workers in traditional sectors are not harmed by this transformation.
In conclusion, Latin America is at a turning point. The transition towards a green economy offers a unique opportunity to build a more sustainable and equitable future. It's time to act and take advantage of this green dawn.