While companies worldwide in the technology and finance sectors are laying off employees, green jobs are becoming increasingly in demand following China’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality.
Green Expansion
Companies in the technology and finance sectors are laying off employees worldwide. In 2022, the number of employees in technology companies decreased by 164,000, and an additional 166,000 jobs were cut in the first quarter of 2023, according to the layoff tracking platform Layoffs.fyi. Unemployment among youth in China is also rising and reached 20% in April of this year.
However, green jobs are on the rise. In the United States, which has been heavily impacted by layoffs, over 100,000 green vacancies have been announced in the past six months since August of last year. The share of green jobs globally has increased from 9.6% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2021, according to LinkedIn’s report on green skills.
In China, government plans to reach peak carbon emissions, achieve carbon neutrality, and transition to a green economy have led to the rise of “green jobs.” It is expected that by 2025, one million people will be employed in this field. It is said that salaries in these positions can reach 150,000 yuan ($20,900 USD) per month.
According to the updated 2023 Catalog of Government Guidance in the Green Industry, the following sectors are included: energy consumption and carbon emissions reduction (services mainly provided by technology companies to large corporations); environmental protection; resource recycling and reuse; production and installation of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroenergy); environmentally friendly materials and chemicals; environmentally oriented transportation systems and technologies; development and implementation of green infrastructure projects; improvement of energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure; waste management and recycling; environmental education and awareness.
The Catalog of Government Guidance in the Green Industry also includes the following sectors:
1. Renewable Energy
Development and installation of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable energy sources. China has made significant efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy system.
2. Energy Efficiency and Smart Cities
Implementation of technologies and solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption and optimizing resource utilization in cities. This includes smart grids, energy-efficient buildings, waste management, and low-emission transportation systems.
3. Electric Vehicles
Development and production of electric vehicles and related infrastructure, such as charging stations. China aims to become a global leader in the electric vehicle industry and is already the largest market for electric vehicles in the world.
4. Environmental Protection and Restoration.
Includes measures for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, improving water and air quality, combating pollution, and other environmental protection measures.
5. Green Finance
Development of tools and mechanisms for financing green projects and investments. China is actively developing green financial policies, including issuing green bonds and developing environmental funds.
Sustainability And Responsibility
China’s efforts in the green industry and the creation of green jobs are strategically important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable development. It also reflects China’s aspiration to become a global leader in green technologies and environmentally responsible development.
In addition to domestic efforts, China is actively collaborating with other countries and international organizations in the field of green industry. China is a participant in numerous international initiatives and agreements aimed at addressing climate change and sustainable development.
For example, China is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which was adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. China has committed to reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and strives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
International Influence
China is also actively involved in international forums and initiatives such as the so-called Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative (somewhat controversially) aims to enhance economic cooperation between China and Eurasian countries through infrastructure development, trade, and investment. Within this initiative, China supports the implementation of projects in line with the principles of sustainable development and green technologies, although it has also faced strong criticism from some quarters that it is merely a strategic move by the CCP to expand Chinese influence in poorer countries.
China is actively promoting international cooperation in the green economy through its participation in organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). It also engages with other countries in knowledge exchange and transfer of green technologies.
China’s efforts in the green industry and international cooperation underscore its aspiration to become a global leader in sustainable development and play an active role in addressing global environmental challenges.
Diversification Of Green Industries
In addition to its domestic efforts and international cooperation, China is also implementing a range of specific measures and policies to develop the green industry.
One key focus is the promotion of renewable energy usage. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of renewable energy. The country is actively investing in the development of solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, and other forms of renewable energy. China is also establishing large-scale wind and solar parks and conducting research in the field of energy technologies.
Another important initiative is the encouragement of energy efficiency and improvement thereof across various sectors of the economy. China is implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and enhance energy utilization efficiency in industries, construction, transportation, and other sectors. This includes the adoption of advanced technologies, equipment upgrades, implementation of energy-saving measures, and stimulation of the development of energy-efficient products.
China is also actively developing a green transportation system, including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and renewable energy-based public transportation. The country is investing in the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and providing subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles.
China is also focusing on the development of green technologies, such as eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, energy-efficient devices, and environmental purification technologies. The country is actively investing in research and development in these areas and incentivizing innovative startups and enterprises working in the field of green technologies.
To A Greener Future In China?
Overall, China attaches great importance to the development of the green industry and the resolution of environmental issues. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and utilize renewable energy sources to achieve sustainable development and create a green economy.
China is also implementing a range of policies and measures to reduce pollutant emissions and improve environmental quality. This includes stringent norms and standards for industrial enterprises, requirements for emissions control and waste treatment, as well as penalties for violations of environmental regulations. China is also undertaking environmental protection reforms, enhancing pollution monitoring and control, and improving the system of sanitary and environmental supervision.
China is actively developing the concept of “ecological civilization,” which involves integrating ecological values into various spheres of society. This includes education and promotion of environmental awareness, encouraging environmentally responsible behavior among citizens, and creating environmentally friendly cities and public spaces.
China is also actively collaborating with other countries in the field of environmental protection and climate change. The country participates in international negotiations, signs agreements, and ratifies international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement. China also provides assistance to developing countries in the areas of environmental protection and climate adaptation.
In conclusion, China is undertaking a wide range of measures and policies for the development of the green industry, reduction of pollutant emissions, improvement of energy efficiency, and environmental protection. The country aims to achieve sustainable development and create a green economy, while also contributing to international cooperation on climate and environmental protection.
