Green jobs could bring $280bn to city economies by 2040

In many cities this work is already underway:

• Freetown, Sierra Leone: Freetown leveraged international funding to promote good, green jobs and green entrepreneurship opportunities for rural migrants and vulnerable young people in waste management. Through the Waste Management Micro-Enterprise programme the city established 40 micro-enterprises employing 240 young people to collect waste from households and public spaces. The programme increased citywide waste collection rates to 34 per cent, closed three illegal dumpsites, created a waste collectors’ union, and registered some 2,600 households for collection services
• Philadelphia, US: By removing employment barriers for historically disadvantaged groups, Philadelphia’s ReBuild programme, which invests in community infrastructure improvements, is simultaneously advancing the city’s equity goals and meeting critical workforce demands in key industries. The city works with trade unions to provide apprenticeships for historically disadvantaged groups in high-demand construction sectors including electrical work, ventilation, and plumbing
• Amman, Jordan: Using funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Amman is promoting green infrastructure rehabilitation through cash-for-work programmes, contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation while creating recreational spaces that enhance social cohesion. More than 5,000 workers were engaged in the programme, half of which were vulnerable Jordanians, while the other half were Syrian refugees. By centring inclusion in its climate action, Amman provided its residents, whether displaced or local, with economic and environmental benefits, strengthening its urban resilience
• São Paulo, Brazil: São Paulo is tackling urban unemployment through its Programa Operacao Trabalho (Work Operation Programme). The programme offers unemployed residents with training opportunities to support their reentry into the labour market. Capacity-building is a central focus of the programme as well as promoting a sustainable approach to several of its projects, such as: Pot Agriculture and Guardian Mothers: Vegetable Gardens and Agents of Sustainable Development. Through this programme, participants develop new skills while simultaneously greening the city, promoting urban sustainability and socioeconomic development.

C40 Cities executive director Mark Watts said: “Taking action on climate change and building a fairer society go hand-in-hand: with the right investments climate action creates enough jobs for everyone.

“This approach can unlock a multi-billion dollar economic opportunity by 2040, ensuring that everyone benefits from a thriving, inclusive, and more sustainable future for our communities”

“The global shift to a cleaner economy presents a powerful opportunity not just to cut our emissions, but also to address social inequalities. This new report highlights that by investing in job training for local workers and welcoming new talent, including migrants, cities can close a looming skills gap.

“This approach can unlock a multi-billion dollar economic opportunity by 2040, ensuring that everyone benefits from a thriving, inclusive, and more sustainable future for our communities.”

From Shortages to Solutions: Good Green Jobs and Labour Migration in Cities can be found at The C40 Knowledge Hub here.