BayWa r.e. emphasizes the crucial role of green jobs in achieving regional decarbonization targets in the wake of COP28 and the pressing need for Southeast Asian nations to address climate change. A recent report highlighted the potential for around 30 million green jobs in Southeast Asia by 2030. The green economy in the region is expected to generate up to US$1 trillion in annual economic opportunities.
Renuka Sharma, Director of Energy Solutions APAC at BayWa r.e. AG, emphasizes, "In order to shape the future of our planet, we need to invest now in the shaping of skills of our people. The urgency to combat climate risks and reduce reliance on fossil fuels requires us to all come together with the government setting the stage on policy, educational institutions nurturing the minds of change and the private sector orchestrating innovation and transforming ideas into impactful action. Together we can create a legacy of environmental stewardship now for generations to come."
To aid in this transition, BayWa r.e. calls on governments to prioritize the creation of green jobs. These roles, associated with environmentally friendly and sustainable industries, are instrumental in addressing environmental challenges while contributing to economic and social well-being.
Key Points:
- The Need for Green Jobs: The rapid acceleration of the renewable transition is threatened by a looming skills crisis in the renewables sector, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts among governments, educational institutions, and the industry to bridge the skills gap and ensure a sustainable talent pipeline. Green jobs, spanning industries such as waste management, agriculture, and solar installation, offer immediate solutions to environmental issues. They contribute to resource conservation and promote efficient use of water, land, and electricity.
- Start with Education: Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, are adapting educational curriculums to upskill students for the environmental sector. Programs such as sustainability studies and development in universities are paving the way for a skilled workforce.
- Recorded Growth: A record 30 million new jobs will be created within the renewables sector in Southeast Asia by 2030, aligning with the region's commitment to a net-zero future.
- Embracing Change: Green jobs hold the key to a transformative and sustainable future. Policymakers and industry leaders are urged to actively endorse initiatives fostering environmental sustainability within the labor market.
As the world witnesses the renewable energy revolution, BayWa r.e. calls for collective action in prioritizing green jobs, not just as a transformation of employment but as an investment in a future where prosperity aligns with sustainability.
