Official Eurostat data show that employment in environmental goods and services (EGS) continued to grow in the European Union in 2022, further strengthening the growing importance of sustainability-related employment in Europe’s economy.

Jobs in the environmental economy (including waste management, water supply, renewable energy, pollution control, and related activities) increased in 2022 compared with 2021. Statistics from Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical office, indicate that employment in these areas has risen by around 9.5% since 2021, reflecting increased demand for environmental protection, resource efficiency, and clean energy solutions. The data comes from the Eurostat – Environmental goods and services sector employment statistics. (Source: Eurostat: Environmental goods and services sector employment statistics)

According to Eurostat, jobs in sectors related to renewable energy technologies, recycling infrastructure and environmental consulting services all increased at a faster rate than average, with all these sectors now playing a significant role in national climate action and business planning in the member states.

The trend reflects the European policy priorities in general, particularly the European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU climate-neutral economy by 2050 and promote sustainable growth, analysts say. New jobs have been created in occupations related to decarbonisation and resilience, including new investment in green technologies, energy efficiency in buildings and circular economy projects.

The increase in environmental employment is also linked to changing private sector priorities, driven by growing demands for environmental performance of companies and the increasing environmental standards. Numerous companies are building up sustainability reporting and low carbon product development teams and compliance with changing regulations.

The data is for 2022, but early signs indicate the upward trend into the future, as the promotion of renewable energies and the integration of sustainability principles gain prominence in economic recovery and competitiveness after the pandemic.

The longer-term growth of these industries will be essential not just for climate change but for social stability as well, and will provide new opportunities in areas where the fossil-fuel-based industries are shifting, experts say.