New York, USA – Cities can unlock a $280bn economic opportunity by stepping up recruitment and training for workers in the green economy, including harnessing the economic contribution of migrants.
- Cities set to see green jobs boom by 2040, representing almost half of all jobs in construction, transport, and waste management
- But the current workforce isn’t prepared to meet the demand – up to 6 million jobs would go unfilled without public policy and private sector interventions
- A new report from C40 Cities, Climate Migration Council, and Mayors Migration Council presents two key policies to avoid potential labour shortages: providing skills training for existing local workers and removing the barriers to migrant employment in the climate sector
- With the right investments, inclusive climate action can create enough new green jobs for everyone
Four in 10 jobs created globally by 2040 will be green jobs, roles that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment. But, a new report from C40 Cities, the Climate Migration Council and the Mayors Migration Council has identified that unless significant investment is made in the workforce, up to six million of those jobs could go unfilled, representing a huge untapped opportunity for both local economies and the green transition.
The report looked into projected workforce demand and potential gaps by 2040, in 25 cities across Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States.
“This report makes clear the huge economic potential of green jobs – for cities and for national governments,” said Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director of the Mayors Migration Council. “But to unlock that potential, we need bold investment in workforce training and the political will to attract new talent. As we look to the future of work and a thriving green economy, that means building inclusive training programs for both local and migrant workers—and creating regular migration pathways to fill critical labour gaps.”
New analysis focused on the key green sectors of construction, transport and waste management, shows that a 50% increase in public investment in training and skills-building programmes could significantly reduce the projected workforce shortage However, upskilling local workers alone is not enough to meet the projected demand; the remaining gap can best be filled by removing barriers for new arrivals to receive training for and employment in the green economy.
Responding to the research, Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Galán said: “The political significance of both migration and climate action today demands bold, pragmatic, and integrated responses: driving the creation of good green jobs, investing in local skills training, and making opportunities accessible for all residents, including newcomers.
“This research provides Bogotá with essential evidence, alongside past C40 and MMC studies on our city’s projected climate migration patterns, to plan ahead, harnessing the opportunities that both climate action and migration offer to our city.”
Previous analysis by the group showed that cities are leading in both driving the creation of good green jobs and delivering a green workforce, including by harnessing migrants’ economic contribution. New data highlights how, by intentionally including these groups in workforce development, cities can work with national governments to address labour shortages while also promoting transitioning to a green economy in a way that is fair and inclusive for all.
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-entreprises employing 240 young people to collect waste from households and public spaces. The programme increased citywide waste collection rates to 34%, closed three illegal dumpsites, created a waste collectors’ union, and registered over 2,600 households for collection services.
- Philadelphia, USA: 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. Over 5,000 workers were engaged in the programme, half of whom were vulnerable Jordanians, while the other half were Syrian refugees. By centering 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 Operação Trabalho (Work Operation Programme). The programme offers unemployed residents 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 Vice Chair and Governor of Nairobi, Sakaja Johnson said: “As Nairobi’s Governor, my priority is practical climate action that protects residents and creates green jobs—especially for our youth who make up a majority of the population.
“Through innovative research and projects like City of Choice, we show how linking climate, migration, and skills can shape the future of cities worldwide. We are building a resilient, inclusive city that sets an example for urban futures in the region.”
The report’s findings demonstrate that a well-skilled, inclusive workforce is a powerful tool for accelerating climate action and securing economic prosperity. By leveraging every available talent pool, cities can not only achieve their climate targets but also build more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient local economies.
Cities are leading the charge in recognising the economic benefits and necessity of this dual approach, proving that welcoming policies are not just a humanitarian issue but a pragmatic economic imperative that can empower the green transition.
Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala said: “Milan, like many cities in Europe, has long benefitted from labour mobility, both domestic and international.
“Foreign-born residents and migrant communities already contribute greatly to our growing green economy, especially in sectors like construction, transport, and water and waste.
“The research provides additional evidence on the need for legal and safe migration pathways to respond to the increasing demand for workers in good green jobs in cities.”
Mayor of São Paulo, Ricardo Nunes said: “The City of São Paulo has been consistently advancing in the climate change adaptation agenda, with continuous investments in environmental initiatives.
“The city is moving forward with actions such as the Green Package, which includes the planting of thousands of trees, the creation of urban forests and conservation units, the expansion of the replacement of diesel bus fleets with electric and biomethane-powered ones, as well as the modernization of waste collection with biomethane-powered trucks.
“Currently, the capital already has more than 50% vegetation coverage and stands out as a reference in sustainability among the world’s major cities. This effort is also reflected in the job market through the creation of green jobs, largely driven by municipal public policies.
“These jobs contribute to the city’s performance, which now has the lowest unemployment rate in its historical series, 5.4%, and the best average salary balance in Brazil. São Paulo not only talks about a sustainable future but also demonstrates in practice that it is possible to combine economic growth, job creation, and environmental care.”
Climate Migration Council member and Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, Satya Rhodes-Conway said: “We are proud of Madison’s leadership in delivering climate action, which not only cuts emissions but creates more opportunities for good-paying, high-quality jobs for all.
“However, as this research shows, there is still more to be done for cities to meet our ambitious climate goals. Workforce development efforts, which we are proud to be pushing forward through our GreenPower Program, are a key priority.
“But like all cities, we know that it will be essential to ensure that green skills and job opportunities are accessible for all, including newcomers, to ensure our city’s diverse workers are able to benefit from these opportunities.”
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.
“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.”