The challenges of climate change and those of decent work and social inclusion are inseparable, participants heard at a dialogue on climate change ad jobs organized by the Geneva Environment Network Secretariat in collaboration with the ILO.

The event took place at the ILO on 12 May and aimed to provide a platform for sharing views and perspectives on ways in which the climate change and decent work agendas can be made mutually supportive ahead of the COP21 climate talks taking place later this year. Government representatives and staff from international organizations, non-governmental and business organizations - including experts in environmental issues and climate change - discussed means for contributing to the COP21 and the “Agenda of solutions”.

The dialogue recognized that climate change poses major challenges for socio-economic development with implications for jobs and livelihoods in vital sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism. Indeed, climate change will have considerable employment and social impacts if no action is taken. Yet ambitious climate action can lead to positive results in terms of employment, social inclusion with numerous solutions and experiences unfolding to build from demonstrating such opportunities.

Participants noted that climate and employment solutions have to be country-specific and anchored on national strategic and development policy frameworks with public-private collaboration.

The event generated momentum, ideas and a wide range of solutions that actors in the World of Work can contribute to the climate agenda, such that Paris COP21 leads to positive employment outcomes with more and better jobs and a just transition for all.

A full web story can be read here.

For more information: gueye@ilo.org