‘Greening the economy’ is today one of the most pressing issues in the majority of OECD countries. While at the macro level the implications of climate change are widely acknowledged and acted upon, it is at the local level that impacts have yet to be considered in detail. Labour markets at local levels may find themselves under particular pressure to undertake the required adjustments. In local economies and among the dense networks of enterprises that underpin such economies, there is real concern that climate change mitigation and adaptation will simply mean job destruction as some jobs may be replaced and other suppressed. This concern grows as some job profiles will be transformed and new skills will be required.

However, the local level could lead the transition to a greener labour market and a more sustainable economic development if the current opportunity is seized appropriately.

The seminar will review the impact of the climate change on local labour markets (including through regulations) and study the different tools and methods that can be used to facilitate and best manage the transition to a greener local economy. 

Green Growth Strategy Interim Report