Basque Country Drives Inclusive Green Employment as Spain’s Green Economy Strengthens Globally
The Basque Country leads green employment initiatives promoting inclusive growth as Spain's green economy expands amid global investment acceleration.
- • Mikel Torres stresses ecological transition as key to a modern, inclusive economy in Euskadi.
- • Basque Government's green employment strategy aims for social inclusion and labor market anticipation.
- • Global green economy grows rapidly, with green revenues rising at twice the pace of traditional sectors.
- • China leads global green investment, while companies benefit from valuation premiums linked to green revenues.
Key details
The green economy is rapidly expanding both globally and within Spain, with the Basque Country taking a lead role through strategic employment initiatives that combine sustainability with social inclusiveness. Mikel Torres, Vicelehendakari and Minister of Economy, Labor, and Employment of the Basque Government, underscored the importance of ecological transition not only as an environmental imperative but also as a unique socio-economic opportunity during the inauguration of the I Green Employment Forum in Bilbao. He emphasized that the shift towards a green economy should foster a modern, diversified, and resilient Euskadi, one that ensures social justice by expanding green job access to youth, the unemployed, and marginalized groups. This vision is aligned with the Basque Employment Strategy 2030 and supported by collaborations between the Basque Government, Lanbide, Aclima, and industry clusters, resulting in initiatives such as the Green Jobs Sarea and the Green Employment Observatory, funded from 2024 to anticipate labor market needs and maximize green economy benefits.
Meanwhile, on a global scale, investment in green technologies continues to accelerate despite economic uncertainties. A World Economic Forum report highlights the green economy as the second-fastest-growing sector worldwide after technology, with green revenues increasing at twice the rate of traditional lines and companies generating over half their income from green markets earning valuation premiums of 12-15%. Cost reductions in solar photovoltaic, lithium batteries, and offshore wind technologies have improved competitiveness, enabling over half of the necessary emissions reductions through profitable low-carbon solutions. China leads global clean energy investment with $659 billion spent in 2024 and is projected to account for more than 60% of new renewable capacity by 2030. Case studies of companies within the CEO Climate Leaders Alliance demonstrate how firms harness green markets to enhance competitiveness and diversify revenues. The report urges companies to adapt technologies according to maturity, engage in regulatory development, and mobilize diverse financing to accelerate the green economy’s growth.
Together, these developments highlight Spain—and particularly the Basque Country’s—commitment to leveraging the green economy as a driver of both economic growth and social transformation, ensuring sustainability is intertwined with equitable employment opportunities.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
