A new World Bank report titled “Jobs in a Changing Climate: Insights from World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs)” reveals that investments in building climate resilience could generate benefits equivalent to 150 million jobs by 2050. Drawing on evidence from 93 economies—which together represent 64 percent of the population and 77 percent of the GDP of low- and middle-income countries—the report demonstrates how aligning climate action with development goals can foster job creation, economic growth, and resilience.
The findings highlight that climate change poses a serious threat to employment, with potential losses equivalent to 43 million jobs by 2050 across 49 countries, a figure that could rise to 260 million when expanded to all low- and middle-income nations. These projected losses underline the urgent need for proactive investments in adaptation and resilience-building measures.
At the same time, the report shows that strategic investments in adaptation—including efforts to help countries, communities, and businesses adjust to changing climate realities—can substantially offset these losses. Adaptation efforts are expected to generate the equivalent of 25 million better-paid jobs in the 49 countries studied, and up to 150 million globally when extrapolated.
Furthermore, the analysis suggests that low-emission development can yield net economic gains, even in the short term, for most countries. While the overall effect on total employment may be modest, there will be significant shifts across sectors and regions, with emerging green industries creating new opportunities as others phase out.
The report emphasizes the importance of policies that support inclusive labor market transitions, such as investing in human capital, improving business environments, enabling worker mobility, and safeguarding vulnerable populations. It also stresses the need to mobilize both public and private capital to meet the scale of investment required.
Through its Country Climate and Development Reports (CCDRs), the World Bank Group supports countries in aligning climate and development strategies, helping them advance their national goals while fostering sustainable, job-rich growth.
