A new, landmark study from UNEP on the impact of an emerging global “green economy” on the world of work says efforts to tackle climate change could result in the creation of millions of new “green jobs” in the coming decades.

The new report entitled Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, says changing patterns of employment and investment resulting from efforts to reduce climate change and its effects are already generating new jobs in many sectors and economies, and could create millions more in both developed and developing countries.

Efforts to curb climate change are expected to create millions of jobs worldwide in the coming decades, according to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme.

The report says projected investments estimated at US$ 630 billion by 2030 could translate to some 20 million new jobs in renewable energy, including 2.1 million in wind, 6.3 million in solar power and 12 million in biomass for energy and related industries.

The job creation is expected to be fueled in large part by growth in the market for environmental products and services worldwide, which is projected to double to US$ 2,740 billion by 2020, the report said.

The report estimated that half the market would involve energy efficiency across a number of industries including construction and that the balance of market growth would involve eco-friendly transportation, water supply, sanitation and waste management.

The study warns that many of the new jobs may be low paying, "dirty, dangerous and difficult" and called for measures to ensure the new green jobs involve "decent work" that helps reduce poverty and improve the environment.

The 376-page report, "Green Jobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World," was released on September 24.

The report was produced for the UNEP by the Worldwatch Institute with technical assistance from the Cornell University Global Labor Institute. The UNEP commissioned and funded the study under a joint Green Jobs Initiative with the International Labour Office, International Trade Union Confederation and the International Organization of Employers.

Download: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World