#21: Obstacles for the "Green Revolution"
Why Southeast Asia's youths are unable to access green job opportunities, and how society can help
Welcome to this week’s edition of SEAmplified! Your latest insights on Southeast Asian youth and youth politics in 4 minutes.
🌱 Sea Change
Sea Change explores the challenges wrought by climate change in Southeast Asia, and how youths are navigating them. Here’s why youths in Southeast Asia are finding it difficult to access the green economy
Southeast Asia’s on the cusp of a green revolution.
Once a footnote in the regional job market, sustainability-linked roles are becoming more prevalent across a growing number of industries. So prevalent, in fact, that nonprofit Bridgespan estimated that Southeast Asia could see nearly 30 million such jobs emerging by 2030.
Other data support this prediction: the Asian Development Bank suggests that Southeast Asia could see as many as 6.6 million circular economy-related jobs by 2030; green investments in Southeast Asia also surged 20% between 2022 and 2023 to reach a whopping US$6.3 billion in 2023.
Clearly, there’s a lot at stake for the green sector. Southeast Asia’s next million jobs – and future economic development prospects – hinges on its growth.
Yet, there’s also a huge gap between the region’s net-zero ambitions and actual progress made towards its green transition.
Part of the issue stems from the fact that for many Southeast Asian youths, several barriers still prevent them from accessing these opportunities.
Why is this happening?
Many challenges ahead
One key challenge in Southeast Asian emerging economies is that social and economic inequalities prevent youths from being more engaged in the green jobs market.
For youths living in less developed areas, putting food on the table is top of mind. Often, that means dropping out of school to financially support their families or losing opportunities to grow skills that are required for more knowledge-intensive roles.
Rectifying the ills of climate change feels like a luxury, and their focus on surviving day–to–day causes them to miss out on the green economy.
Another issue is that most Southeast Asian youths still don’t know much about green jobs. Being aware of climate change and advocating for change is one thing, but understanding green jobs and where to find them is another. A 2023 study conducted among Singaporean youths by business consultancy Accenture found that many respondents’ expectations were clearly mismatched with on-the-ground realities that many green jobs offered.
More importantly, the skills gap among youths also prevents them from being able to fully participate in the green jobs market. Many green jobs require skills that are still uncommon throughout Southeast Asia. Some require specific expertise in other domains like construction and supply chain management, while others are only accessible to candidates who already have several years of experience.
So, what can be done to tackle these challenges and help youths unleash their potential in the green economy?
Bridging the gap
For one, regional governments and international organizations are already addressing the problem:
In Vietnam, the United Nations Youth4Climate Policy Working Group is creating partnerships between public and private sector players as well as academia to broaden youth access to the green economy.
Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 introduced sustainability and sustainability-related skills training into school curricula and also promotes stronger youth participation in environmental research, innovation, and community projects.
Both the Philippines Energy Plan and Thailand’s Climate Change Act include provisions for introducing climate change education programs in schools.
Businesses can also step up to conduct workforce training and skills certification programs that can equip youths with the right skills needed for the green economy.
For example, German energy management firm Schneider Electric co-established the Green Electrician Lab together with Vietnamese nonprofit ASSIST in 2016.
Based in Vietnam, the lab provides sustainable energy management and green entrepreneurship training to Vietnamese youths.
Current green professionals can also help by sharing resources and building an ecosystem that supports aspiring youths. They can offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry knowledge.
This support is crucial in helping young people navigate the green job market. It can develop the next generation of green leaders and innovators.
Southeast Asia's green transition is a huge opportunity for the region's youth. By tackling social and economic inequalities, increasing awareness of green jobs, and bridging the skills gap, we can fully harness the potential of our young people.
Governments, businesses, and current professionals need to work together to make this happen.
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