How cities can achieve a just transition with good green jobs for all

Issue brief: urban just transition

The issue brief provides an introduction to policy solutions for cities pursuing a fair transition and green job creation.

For more like this, see C40's Just Transition Toolkit and the ILO's Guidelines on Just Transition.

Visual map

Download the map to see real-world examples, from Accra's social protection for informal waste workers to Boston's Worker Empowerment Cabinet.

A just transition for Bengaluru waste workers

Bengaluru is developing inclusive systems for a just transition in waste management. Discover how the city leads climate action by engaging stakeholders, mapping roles and vulnerabilities in the bulk waste value chain, and focusing on targeted engagement, upskilling, and training for frontline workers.

Issue brief: Skills for green jobs

Only 13% of the global workforce is green-job-ready. Without significant investment in reskilling, 78 million jobs could be at risk, impacting the shift to a greener economy. In this issue brief, explore how cities are working hard to bridge this skills gap, especially for young people.

Good green jobs and labour migration

No country currently has a domestic workforce fully prepared for the green transition. Consultations by C40, partners and cities show that migrant communities already play a vital role in key green sectors, particularly in areas with labour and skills shortages. This contribution needs greater recognition and support at the local level.

Issue brief: Informality and green transition

This issue brief explores the challenge of high levels of informal workforces and settlements in many C40 cities. These cities recognise the crucial role informal workers play in key climate-related industries-from waste management to transport-and are working to improve resilience, working conditions, and training.

Barriers to just transition finance

Measures for a just transition-like upskilling, social protections, and access to green jobs-are often overlooked in climate funding. This study finds that only 3 of 63 climate funds are accessible to local governments and designed specifically for just transition initiatives.

South African Cities Dialogue

To close the policy and funding gap for urban just transitions, cities are collaborating with national governments. Learn more about the South African Cities Dialogue, convened by C40 Cities, the South African Presidential Commission, and the South African Local Governments Association, which highlights examples of urban just transitions and provides recommendations for municipalities, national governments, financial institutions, international organisations, and philanthropies.

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