Johannesburg could create over 200,000 green jobs through focused infrastructure spending and adopting environmentally friendly building policies in the city.

This is according to research from C40 Cities, which found that increasing investment in rail infrastructure and prioritising environmentally friendly construction in city projects would create 76,000 and 143,000 green jobs respectively by 2030.

“Green jobs are extremely important for us in the City of Johannesburg,” said MMC for Environment, Infrastructure and Service Delivery (EISD), Cllr Michael Sun who attended on behalf of Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, in her capacity as C40 Cities Vice Chair. 

“They don’t only provide a lasting solution to the issues of poverty and inequality in our city but enable our residents to take advantage of opportunities that are secure, with equitable pay and offer a dignified environment to workers.”

Johannesburg has already taken the first step in creating environmentally sustainable employment by adopting its own Climate Action Plan which is currently being adopted in all of the City’s processes and plans. With steadfast plans in place to invest in green sectors that will not only deliver reliable services to communities but also assist in the creation of quality employment to Johannesburg’s residents.

The Multi-Party Government has also committed itself to spurring a just economic transition within the City’s economy. To ensure all residents at risk of losing a job in non-green industries are given opportunities to work in other sectors essential to a sustainable economy and society.

“South African cities have a huge and critical role to play in delivering jobs,” MMC Sun added.

“We believe national government must recognise our leadership and offer cities such as Johannesburg direct sources of investment to go even further to realise the full potential of employment growth in the growing green sector of our local economy.”

 

Issued by City of Joburg MMC Environment & Infrastructure Services Michael Sun