Green Jobs: Employment Potential and Challenges

The April 2012 Employment Package identified the green economy as a key source of job creation in Europe. According to estimates, implementation of energy efficiency measures could lead to 2 million jobs being created or retained by 2020 and the development of renewable energy sources could lead to 3 million jobs by 2020. . Yet, policies towards greening of the economy may have an impact on employment in carbon-intensive sectors or require adaptation of skills and working methods. Hence, ensuring that the skills required in emerging green sectors are anticipated and developed, as well as promoting employment preservation in traditional industries in the shift to a low-carbon and resource efficient economy, result as essential policy actions in order to harness the job creation potential of the greening of our economy.