Just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies

Nature and work are intrinsically connected. Our lives depend on the natural environment. Our jobs and businesses depend on a healthy planet. Our future depends on a just transition to a carbon- and resource efficient economy. Climate change and environmental degradation are already disrupting millions of jobs and livelihoods. Yet countless opportunities lie ahead to boost the economy and improve the quality of working lives. ILO studies show that implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change could create a net gain of 18 million jobs by 2030.

Policy areas

With the International Labour Conference resolution adopted in 2023 on a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all, the ILO has a newly reinvigorated mandate, as the only tripartite specialized UN agency representing governments, employers and workers, in advancing a just transition in the multilateral system including the United Nations climate processes.

ILO at COP28
Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to economic growth and employment today, and risks will be greater in the medium-to long-term.

By contrast, if properly managed, climate change action can lead to more and better jobs. Both adaptation to climate change and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions offer opportunities to create new jobs, while securing existing ones.

A transition to a low-carbon, greener economy will imply the creation of new jobs in environmentally friendly production processes and outputs, whereas other jobs will be at risk, in particular in those sectors with fewer options for a transition towards a more sustainable ways of production.

Climate change and jobs

ILO’s offer on strengthening NDCs for a just transition and decent work

For more information, please see a FAQ on climate change and jobs.

News and articles

ILO adopts conclusions for promoting decent work and a just transition in the building materials industry

ILO adopts conclusions for promoting decent work and a just transition in the building materials industry

4 October 2024

Why social protection is essential to shielding the world’s most vulnerable from the impacts of the climate crisis

Two young fishers sit by the sea in front of their boat on the sand.

Why social protection is essential to shielding the world’s most vulnerable from the impacts of the climate crisis

3 October 2024

Partnerships

The ILO’s Action Programme on Just Transition build upon strong partnerships and networks for a sustainable future. They cover a wide range of initiatives, from capacity building to research and technical support.

Where we work

Screenshot of the ILO development cooperation dashboard

Where we work

The dashboard offers interactive visualisations of ILO projects to facilitate just transitions towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies.