Tackling climate change is fundamental to job quality in Europe

Tackling climate change is not merely an environmental policy goal but a fundamental necessity for maintaining job quality and economic stability across Europe, according to new analysis discussed on the latest Eurofound Talks podcast.

The tangible impact of climate change on the labour market is already evident. Data reveal that 34% of men and 18% of women in Europe report frequent occupational exposure to high temperatures. This burden is particularly acute in sectors essential to both the economy and the green transition, affecting 68% of agricultural workers and substantial proportions of staff in construction and manufacturing.

These findings underscore the critical role of green jobs - defined as roles contributing to environmental protection or efficient resource management - as central pillars of overall job quality and Europe’s employment targets. Employment in the circular economy, for instance, has been expanding and it now accounts for 4.4 million jobs in the EU, demonstrating the sector's rapid growth potential.

In the podcast episode, Martina Bisello, Expert on Sustainability Transitions and Justice at the European Environment Agency, and Jorge Cabrita, Senior Research Manager at Eurofound, outline joint research and stress that a successful and competitive green Europe hinges on a strategy guided by three key requirements:

• Job quality must be rigorously monitored and upheld across both existing and newly created roles as a precondition for resilience.
• Targeted support - including dedicated reskilling and upskilling initiatives - must be guaranteed for all affected workers and regions to ensure a just transition.
• Involvement and participation are essential, requiring the expansion of social dialogue beyond traditional partners to include all relevant actors, from employers and workers to vulnerable groups, ensuring collective ownership of the transition.

Investment in the green transition is not an optional policy measure but an economic imperative requiring substantial public and private capital. Funding should be tied to social policies to guarantee the creation of high-quality jobs that serve both environmental and social objectives.

Listen to the episode for free on our dedicated page, or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.