Page 12 - AsiaElec Week 42 2021

AsiaElec NEWS IN BRIEF AsiaElec

JOBS renewable energy sector, accounting for a total generate decent work is a clear indication
of 4mn and 1.25mn jobs respectively, liquid that we do not have to choose between
Renewable energy jobs biofuels employment decreased as demand for environmental sustainability on the one hand,
transport fuels fell. Off-grid solar lighting sales and employment creation on the other. The
reach 12mn globally suffered, but companies were able to limit job two can go hand-in-hand,” said ILO Director-
General, Guy Ryder.
losses.
Report by IRENA and ILO underscores the China commanded a 39% share of Recognising that women suffered more
jobs potential of an ambitious climate strategy renewable energy jobs worldwide in 2020, from the pandemic because they tend
and calls for comprehensive policies in followed by Brazil, India, the United States, to work in sectors more vulnerable to
support of a just transition and members of the European Union. Many economic shocks, the report highlights the
Renewable energy employment worldwide other countries are also creating jobs in importance of a just transition and decent
reached 12mn last year, up from 11.5mn renewables. Among them are Viet Nam and jobs for all, ensuring that jobs pay a living
in 2019, according to the eighth edition of Malaysia, key solar PV exporters; Indonesia wage, workplaces are safe, and rights at work
Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review and Colombia, with large agricultural supply are respected. A just transition requires a
2021. chains for biofuels; and Mexico and the workforce that is diverse – with equal chances
The report was released by the Russian Federation, where wind power is for women and men, and with career paths
International Renewable Energy Agency growing. In Sub-Saharan Africa, solar jobs are open to youth, minorities, and marginalised
(IRENA) in collaboration with the expanding in diverse countries like Nigeria, groups. International Labour Standards and
International Labour Organization (ILO) at a Togo, and South Africa. collective bargaining arrangements are crucial
high-level opening of IRENA’s Collaborative “Renewable energy’s ability to create jobs in this context.
Framework on Just and Inclusive Transitions, and meet climate goals is beyond doubt. Fulfilling the renewable energy jobs
co-facilitated by the United States and South With COP26 in front of us, governments potential will depend on ambitious policies to
Africa. must raise their ambition to reach net zero,” drive the energy transition in coming decades.
The report confirms that COVID-19 says Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director- In addition to deployment, enabling, and
caused delays and supply chain disruptions, General. “The only path forward is to increase integrating policies for the sector itself, there
with impacts on jobs varying by country and investments in a just and inclusive transition, is a need to overcome structural barriers in
end use, and among segments of the value reaping the full socioeconomic benefits along the wider economy and minimise potential
chain. While solar and wind jobs continued the way.” misalignments between job losses and gains
leading global employment growth in the “The potential for renewable energy to during the transition.

P12 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 42 20•October•2021