Clean Energy Transition Poised to Generate Millions of Jobs, Drive Trillions in Investment – But Progress Remains Uneven
Belém, Brazil – November 13, 2024 – A global shift towards clean energy is gaining momentum, with the potential to create over 30 million jobs and mobilize $2.2-2.8 trillion annually, according to recent reports from the World Economic Forum. Embedding renewable technologies into sectors like industry and agriculture could unlock an additional 500 million jobs and enhance the quality of 700 million existing roles, signaling a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change and for global economic progress.
The transition requires strategic alignment of energy policies with broader development goals, integration of renewables into local industries, and increased investment in both equipment and workforce training. Success stories are already emerging across the globe.
In Nigeria, the adoption of solar-powered irrigation, cold-storage, and milling facilities by farmers and traders is fueling a surge in distributed renewable-energy projects, fundamentally reshaping local power systems. Concurrently, the Brazilian government is investing $800 million to expand energy access and move away from diesel dependence, with organizations like the Global Energy Alliance for people and Planet actively working to ensure these investments generate jobs and foster enduring economic growth for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
India provides a compelling model for emerging economies. New Delhi now boasts South Asia’s largest commercial, utility-scale battery-energy storage system, reliably powering 100,000 low-income households and businesses. Solar plants in Rajasthan provide consistent daytime power to 40,000 farmers, while a women’s entrepreneurship program in Uttar Pradesh aims to facilitate the adoption of clean-energy technologies by 500,000 women-owned businesses by 2030.
Despite these advancements, important challenges remain.The World Health Organization reports that 685 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, and over a billion more rely on unaffordable or unreliable power sources. The path forward,as emphasized by industry leaders,is clear: continued investment in renewables is crucial to avoid a return to fossil fuel dependence and unlock a future where clean energy fuels economic growth and widespread prosperity.
