Renewable energy sector jobs nearly double over past decade: IRENA

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Job Opportunities in the Renewable Energy Sector

Introduction

In a significant stride toward a sustainable future, job opportunities in the renewable energy sector have nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching 13.7 million in 2022, up from 7.3 million in 2012, according to a recent report.

Key Findings

• The increase in job opportunities was driven by a surge in investments in the renewable energy sector in recent years.
• China accounts for 41 percent of jobs in the renewable energy sector globally, followed by Brazil, EU countries, India, and the US.
• By the end of 2022, the solar photovoltaics sector employed 4.9 million people, while hydropower and biofuels each hired 2.5 million individuals. Additionally, the wind power sector engaged 1.4 million people.
• The solar technology sector boasted the best gender balance compared to other industries, with 40 percent of jobs held by women.

Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in promoting job opportunities and sustainable development in the renewable energy sector. The SDGs aim to:

1. Prioritize workforce development and diversity in the energy transition.
2. Expand education and training opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
3. Increase career opportunities for youth, minorities, and marginalized groups.
4. Adopt ambitious policies that drive systemic change in the energy sector.

Recommendations for Policymakers

IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera emphasized the need for policymakers to take action and accelerate investments in energy transition technologies. He called on all policymakers to use the momentum created by the G20 leaders’ agreement to triple global renewables capacity by 2030. This agreement aligns with the recommendations made ahead of COP28. Policymakers should adopt ambitious policies that drive the needed systemic change in the renewable energy sector.

Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of ILO, highlighted the importance of inclusive macroeconomic growth, sustainable enterprises, skills development, and other active labor market interventions. To ensure full, productive, and freely chosen employment, social inclusion, and decent work for all during these complex transitions, specific policies need to be developed and implemented.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

– Under SDG 7:

– Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

– Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

– Under SDG 5:

– Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.

– Under SDG 8:

– Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

– Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

– Number of jobs in the renewable energy sector.

– Investments in the renewable energy sector.

– Percentage of jobs in the solar technology sector held by women.

– Percentage of workforce development and diversity in the renewable energy sector.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets by tracking the increase in job opportunities, investments, gender balance in the solar technology sector, and workforce development and diversity in the renewable energy sector.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: arabnews.com

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