The two major challenges that define the 21st century are averting climate change and the deterioration of natural resources, and ensuring sustainable development based on economic growth, social equity and environmental protection. Building a green economy is necessary in response to these challenges. This report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) examines environmentally sustainable and coherent policies and effective programmes aimed at generating green jobs. ILO is currently focused on:

reinforcing efforts for an economically efficient, socially just and environmentally sound transition to a green economy
green jobs creation and the promotion of sustainable enterprises
the development of an institutional and political just transition framework
the extension of social protection systems and the promotion of social inclusion in green economy policies
the inclusion of workers’ and employers’ organisations and labour market institutions in governance and implementation mechanisms.

The paper includes the following policy recommendations.

A transition towards a green economy requires a vision of a greener and fairer economy and society in order to create new jobs and protect the environment.
Social equity and wellbeing should be integrated into coherent economic, social, labour and environmental policies.
Safety and health should be integrated into rating, index validation and certification systems in order to enforce occupational safety and health (OSH) standards in green jobs.
Corporate governance and social responsibility in a green economy requires that labour inspection systems, employers and workers and their organisations play a key role in it.
Representatives from government and industry, as well as employers’ and workers’ organisations, should participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of policies.