The transition from the traditional linear economic model to a circular economy has emerged as a critical strategy for addressing climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. At the center of this transformation are green jobs, which contribute to environmental sustainability while promoting economic growth and social inclusion. This paper examines the role of green jobs in facilitating the circular economy transition and explores their potential to support sustainable development objectives. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, policy frameworks, and global employment trends, the study highlights the growing significance of green employment across sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, waste management, recycling, and environmental services. The findings indicate that the circular economy has the potential to generate substantial employment opportunities, with an estimated 18 million new jobs projected globally by 2030. However, the transition also faces significant challenges, including widening green skills gaps, policy fragmentation, regional disparities, and the prevalence of informal employment within circular economy activities. The analysis reveals that while demand for green skills is growing rapidly, workforce preparedness remains inadequate, creating barriers to achieving an inclusive and equitable transition. The study further emphasizes the importance of supportive policies, targeted skill development programs, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to maximize the socio-economic benefits of green job creation. Ultimately, the paper argues that green jobs serve as a vital link between environmental sustainability and economic resilience, making them indispensable to the successful implementation of circular economy principles and the achievement of long-term sustainable development goals.
Sharma et al. (Mon,) studied this question.