Youth, Climate Action, and a Just Transition
The Growing Duality of Climate Action and Socio-Economic Development
First published at https://medium.com/@spurcollective
The Africa Climate Summit, a pivotal event in the global fight against climate change, has captured our collective attention this week, shedding light on Africa’s evolving strategies to tackle climate-related challenges. Amidst a diverse range of discussions, one recurring theme stands out to us, the impassioned pleas from African leaders for financial support and the discussions surrounding carbon credits, markets, and taxes. While these topics were not the sole focus of the summit, they have spurred our interest due to their potential to shape innovation in this sector and influence the economic landscape during this transition.
As a collective, we are dedicated to fostering economic opportunities for everyday people, particularly within the context of a more sustainable future in the digital economy and what labor futures look like. As we look into how this transition toward sustainability will impact our way of life and work, we ask ourselves some fundamental questions:
- How do such climate talks impact our everyday lives and work?
- What are green jobs? Is mine a green job?
- What is a just transition? How do we contribute? Who are the stakeholders in it?
- How does the digital economy intersect with climate action and socio-economic development?
Defining Green Jobs
Just like many others, you might be wondering, is mine a green job? For instance, when sat behind a laptop writing this article, how would you classify this job? Certain industries naturally align with environmental sustainability definitions, while others may necessitate deliberate adjustments to become more eco-friendly. Take, for example, an e-commerce platform that promotes eco-friendly sourcing, utilizes environmentally-conscious packaging for its products and services, or optimizes delivery routes to reduce the number of trips required for delivery; such initiatives can be regarded as facilitators of green jobs. The International Labour Organization (ILO) offers a comprehensive definition of green jobs, describing them as,
positions in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, installation, and maintenance, as well as scientific and technical, administrative, and service-related activities, that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality. Specifically, but not exclusively, this includes jobs that help to protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through high-efficiency and avoidance strategies; de-carbonize the economy; and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution. But green jobs, as we argue below, also need to be good jobs that meet longstanding demands and goals of the labor movement, i.e., adequate wages, safe working conditions, and worker rights, including the right to organize labor unions. (ILO and UNEP 2008, pp. 35–36).
Contemplating the concept of green jobs is crucial in light of the increasing pressure of climate change on livelihoods, necessitating a transition towards more sustainable production models. This shift has the potential to either displace existing jobs or create new ones. It is essential to recognize that this transition will not occur overnight, it demands substantial investments in infrastructure, training, and capital during its initial phases.
Our recent thoughts on climate action and socioeconomic development bring to mind a conversation from earlier this year when we considered submitting a call for proposals on “just transitions” in the digital economy. We hesitated, feeling somewhat inexperienced in green jobs. Over time, we have come to realize that addressing climate issues is not the sole responsibility of climate experts; it is a collective imperative, having all hands on deck, socio-economic angles included. Similar to the transformations we have witnessed in digital transitions, addressing climate challenges requires financial investments, infrastructure development, innovation, training, skill enhancement, policy formulation, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
The Emergence of Green Digital Jobs
Green digital jobs are taking shape as we speak, from local online marketplaces one of our favorites being Greenspoon, clean cooking companies like KOKO who are also boosting profits for small businesses who qualify as agents, content creators, and digital businesses promoting eco-tourism on social media to young people taking up sustainable farming practices and selling their produce online. As we venture into the early stages of incorporating climate action into our livelihoods, we are witnessing a growing interest from various stakeholders. They show this interest through various means, including financial support, backing for renewable energy production and employment, training initiatives, and programs designed to match individuals with green jobs. Similarly to what we have witnessed in digital transition, challenges persist, particularly when it comes to ensuring a just and equitable transition to green jobs. The transition is taking place against the backdrop of pressing concerns, particularly the urgent need to create and enhance employment opportunities for Africa’s youth.
With a burgeoning youth population and a significant portion of young individuals in their prime working years facing unemployment, swift action to mitigate job loss is imperative. At the same time, the threat of climate change looms large, necessitating sustainable and green job opportunities. In the world of digital work, as we address issues like matching job supply and demand and creating robust social protection policies, the next parallel frontier is creating green jobs in the digital economy and promoting just transition.
What is Just Transition?
With looming climate change, environmental awareness, and rapid digital transformation, the concept of a “just transition” has become pivotal in our efforts to reshape the future of work. ILO defines just transition as,
promoting a green economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned — workers, enterprises and communities — by creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. A just transition involves maximizing the social and economic opportunities of climate and environmental action, while minimizing and carefully managing any challenges, including through effective social dialogue and stakeholder engagement and respect for the fundamental principles and rights at work. (ILO 2023, p. 12)
Concerning economic livelihoods, it is about creating decent employment opportunities while leaving no one behind. At its core, a just transition is the simultaneous pursuit of climate action and socio-economic empowerment. It seeks to mitigate the pain of structural changes for communities, especially those most vulnerable to shifts in the employment landscape. This approach bridges the domains of social development and environmental sustainability. It paves the way for a carbon and resource-efficient economy, a pressing necessity given the growing impact of climate change and resource depletion on livelihoods. In essence, the principle is clear, what benefits the environment should also benefit people and the economy. With this in mind, the primary focus is on maximizing the positive outcomes while minimizing the hardships that may arise during the transition.
Challenges and Optimism
In Africa, we find ourselves in a unique era marked by a youthful demographic, high unemployment rates, the omnipresence of digitalization, and ongoing discussions surrounding climate change. As we navigate these significant issues, we must craft strategies that provide equal opportunities for all, ensuring that no one is marginalized in our pursuit of a greener, more inclusive future. Influential nations worldwide are advocating for these transitions, often setting ambitious deadlines while developing countries find themselves struggling to catch up with limited resources and inadequate support. The intricacies of this transformation, including potential job displacement and limited access to opportunities, are undeniable, particularly given the substantial initial investments required to go green. It is essential to remain optimistic, grounded in our understanding that, as we have witnessed in the digital age, progress is attainable through meticulous planning, collective efforts, and iterative implementation.
Climate action and socioeconomic development need not exist as a duality but as an intersection, and there is a need to have all hands on deck to tackle both the challenges and opportunities. The transition to a greener, more sustainable economy demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By drawing parallels with digital transformation, we recognize that progress is achievable through collaboration and strategic planning, offering hope for a just transition in the digital era that benefits both the environment and the global workforce.
At Spur Collective, we will be following these transitions closely as well as offering support in creating inclusive economies. Feel free to reach out to us for collaborative projects.
