The EU’s environmental goods and services sector witnessed a rise, constituting 2.5% of total employment in 2020, a growth from 2.1% in 2010, primarily fueled by renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management jobs. This escalation in green employment showcases the symbiotic relationship between environmental priorities and job creation, a key element of the EU’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Netherlands, aligning with this trend, is expected to amplify green employment by embracing a low-carbon economy and implementing circular economy principles.
In the last decade, the EU’s environmental goods and services sector showcased robust growth, outpacing the overall employment rate. From 2.1% in 2010, the sector’s share of total employment rose to 2.5% in 2020, employing 5.1 million full-time equivalent employees. This surge was primarily propelled by job creation in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management. The EU’s ambitious aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is expected to further amplify job opportunities in the green economy, underlining the symbiotic relationship between environmental objectives and employment growth.
The European Green Deal and the 8th EAP: Propelling Green Transition
The European Green Deal and the Eighth Environment Action Programme (8th EAP) are pivotal initiatives designed to expedite the EU’s green transition. The environmental goods and services sector, also known as the green economy, focuses on producing goods and services crucial for environmental protection and resource management. The drive towards this green transformation has significantly impacted employment, reflecting a 23% increase in the green economy’s share of employment from 2010 to 2020, surpassing the overall employment growth of 5% during the same period.
Job Growth Dynamics in the Green Economy
By 2020, the environmental goods and services sector employed a substantial 5.1 million individuals in the EU, amounting to 2.5% of total EU employment. Notably, the rise in green employment from 2010 to 2020 was predominantly steered by an increase of 503,000 full-time equivalents in jobs related to energy resource management. These encompassed roles in renewable energy production, manufacturing of renewable energy equipment, energy-efficient equipment production, research and development, as well as installation and consultancy services.
Impact on the Netherlands: Pioneering Green Economy
The impact of the growing environmental goods and services sector is notably felt in the Netherlands, where the emphasis on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management has spurred job creation. As the EU forges ahead towards a low-carbon economy and implements circular economy principles, the Netherlands is poised to witness a surge in green employment, aligning with the EU’s vision of a sustainable future. The nation’s strategic efforts to boost its green economy will likely lead to a considerable increase in the share of green employment within the country by 2030.
In summary, the EU’s environmental goods and services sector has demonstrated substantial growth, presenting a promising prospect for both environmental sustainability and increased employment. The intersection of green objectives and economic development is a testament to the potential of the green economy, setting the stage for a future that harmonizes ecological health with economic prosperity.
Original Source: Employment in the environmental goods and services sector – 8th EAP by European Environment Agency
