Green Jobs and Climate Change in the Arab States

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands on the brink of a pivotal transformation. Facing accelerated climate change, with rising temperatures and water scarcity threatening food security and livelihoods, the region is at a crossroads. A just transition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is not just a shift to greener economies; it's a comprehensive transformation of labor markets, economies and societal structures. ILO data suggests that 10 million jobs can be created in the region with ambitious climate change and industrial policies.

The ILO's Regional Office for Arab States is at the forefront of fostering a just transition which maximizes economic and social opportunities while carefully managing challenges. Initiatives include enhancing green job opportunities, integrating gender and social protection, and fostering regional cooperation to address climate change impacts. The ILO's commitment is exemplified in its active role in policy-making, supporting job-rich national climate and environment goals, and creating a framework for green economies across the MENA region.

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Areas of work

Both climate change and climate policies impact the labour market. On one hand, the effects of climate change are directly impacting both the quantity and quality of jobs. On the other hand, climate change policies risk exacerbating inequalities and negatively impact jobs and businesses. Thus, the ILO is continuously developing new research and data on the link between climate change and labour market to deepen the understanding amongst decision makers.
The ILO just transition guidelines cover 9 policy areas, and the ILO support is able to support across the board. While the decent work angle is being increasingly integrated into climate and environment policies, the World of Work constituents are rarely included in the development of these policies and initiatives. The ILO is working to support policy coherence and ambitious climate action which leaves no one behind.
The ILO has helped create thousands of green jobs in the region, as well. Skills development, employment intensive projects, green enterprise development, updating OSH policies and expanding social protection schemes are helping to raise productivity and resilience, to green existing jobs, and improve the quality of jobs and livelihoods for people.