As the world shifts towards a greener economy, employment in the environmental sector has seen a notable rise across the European Union. In 2022, jobs related to the environmental economy increased significantly, reflecting the EU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and waste management.
With some countries experiencing double-digit employment growth, while others saw declines in specific sectors, understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and job seekers looking to navigate this evolving industry.
- EU Environmental Employment Increased by Nearly 10% in 2022 – InfoCons Consumer Protection Keeps You Informed !
In 2022, environmental sector jobs in the EU grew by an average of 9.5% compared to 2021, based on full-time equivalent employment. This highlights a strong upward trend in green jobs, driven by increasing investments in renewable energy, waste management, and resource efficiency.
However, growth was not uniform across all EU nations. The increase in employment ranged from a modest 2.8% in Czechia to a staggering 38% in Greece, demonstrating how different national policies and economic conditions influenced job creation.
Despite this overall positive trend, some countries, including Malta, Lithuania, and Slovakia, recorded declines in environmental employment during the same period.
- Energy Resource Management Was the Fastest-Growing Sector – InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You !
Among various environmental industries, energy resource management saw the largest share of employment growth across the EU. On average, this sector accounted for 34.8% of total environmental jobs, but its importance varied significantly by country.
Some nations saw remarkable job growth in this area:
- Italy – 73% increase in energy resource management jobs
- Germany – 34% increase
- Portugal – 48% increase
These figures indicate a strong shift towards renewable energy and energy efficiency, as countries strive to meet EU climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
By contrast, some nations had relatively low employment in this sector. In Malta, Hungary, and Cyprus, less than 15% of environmental jobs were linked to energy resource management.
Read also : Planning a Trip to Germany ? InfoCons Consumer Protection Offers You Useful Information !
- Waste Management Employment Showed Mixed Trends – Learn More with InfoCons Consumer Protection !
While the environmental economy expanded in most sectors, waste management employment presented a mixed picture across EU countries.
- Germany and France saw modest employment increases of 4.6% and 1.6%, respectively.
- Spain’s waste management employment remained stable, neither increasing nor decreasing.
- Italy, however, recorded a decline of 2.5% in waste management jobs.
This variation suggests that while some countries are expanding waste-related industries, others may be shifting towards automation, improved efficiency, or alternative recycling technologies that require fewer workers
- Some Countries Lead in Green Jobs, While Others Lag Behind – InfoCons Consumers Protection Keeps You Informed !
The share of employment in the environmental economy varied widely across EU member states. Some countries have made green jobs a significant part of their workforce, while others have yet to reach similar levels of engagement.
Top Countries for Environmental Employment in Energy Resource Management:
- Luxembourg – 70.5% of all environmental jobs
- Sweden – 68.3%
- Italy – 61.5%
These high percentages suggest that these nations have prioritized renewable energy development and sustainable resource management, driving substantial employment in the sector.
Lowest Shares of Environmental Jobs in Energy Management:
- Malta – 3.7%
- Hungary – 12.7%
- Cyprus – 14.3%
These lower figures indicate that these countries rely more on other environmental sectors or have not yet transitioned significantly toward energy-focused sustainability initiatives.
Read also : Understanding Anaemia : How to Recognize and Address this Common Condition
- The Future of Environmental Employment in the EU – InfoCons Consumer Protection Keeps You Informed !
The steady increase in environmental jobs reflects the EU’s broader push towards sustainability, climate action, and the green economy. As renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy initiatives continue to expand, employment in these fields is expected to keep growing in the coming years.
However, disparities between countries suggest that some regions will require additional investment, policy support, and workforce training to fully benefit from the green economy. Governments and businesses must collaborate to ensure that job creation aligns with sustainability goals and economic growth.
A Growing Green Workforce for a Sustainable Future – InfoCons Consumers Protection Informs You !
The environmental job market in the EU experienced a notable expansion in 2022, with some sectors seeing dramatic employment increases. However, variations across countries highlight the need for targeted policies and investments to ensure sustainable job growth across all EU nations.
As the demand for green skills and expertise rises, individuals and businesses must adapt to an evolving labor market that prioritizes clean energy, efficient waste management, and resource conservation.
The transition to a greener economy is not just about protecting the planet—it’s also about creating long-term employment opportunities that drive innovation and prosperity across Europe.
Source : Eurostat
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumer Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC .