The pursuit of an environmentally sustainable and equitable future has never been more critical. In this context, we are excited to announce that Damian Whittard, Associate Professor – University of the West of England and ADR UK Research Fellow, will be presenting his latest study titled “Working Towards an Environmentally Sustainable and Equitable Future? New Evidence on Green Jobs from Linked Administrative Data in the UK” at SESTEF 2024 on December 12th.
A Spotlight on Green Jobs
Green jobs are at the forefront of discussions about transitioning to a low-carbon economy. They represent employment opportunities that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment, whether in traditional sectors like manufacturing and construction or in new, emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. However, the equitable distribution and accessibility of these jobs remain areas that require deeper understanding and analysis.
Unveiling New Insights with Linked Administrative Data
Damian Whittard’s research leverages linked administrative data (ASHE linked to Census 2011 data, curated by the Wage and Employment Dynamics team) to shed light on the landscape of green jobs in the UK. By linking US O*NET occupation data to this rich data source, he aims to uncover patterns and trends that have previously been obscured due to data limitations. This approach allows for a more nuanced analysis of which groups are accessing green jobs, which employers are creating green jobs and the characteristics of green jobs. The study explores whether there is a pay advantage or deficit for working in green jobs, and if so whether this is shared equally between groups.
Key Themes of the Paper
While the full details of the paper will be unveiled at the conference, several key themes are discussed:
- Accessibility and Equity: Investigating whether green jobs are accessible to a diverse workforce, including marginalised communities, and how this impacts social equity.
- Economic Implications: Assessing the economic benefits of green jobs for individuals and communities, and how this contributes to broader economic sustainability.
- Policy Recommendations: Offering evidence-based suggestions for policymakers to enhance the promotion and equitable distribution of green jobs.
The Significance of SESTEF 2024
SESTEF 2024 serves as a critical platform for academics, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of sustainability, environment, and social transition in economics and finance. Damian Whittard’s presentation addresses the core themes of the conference and contributes valuable insights to ongoing debates.
Broader Implications for Policy and Practice
With governments worldwide ramping up investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, understanding the dynamics of green jobs has never been more critical. The study extends far beyond academia. Policymakers, employers, and community leaders can draw on his findings to inform the development of training programs, job creation initiatives, and regulatory frameworks that promote both environmental and social goals.
Whittard’s work also speaks to the broader challenges of achieving a just transition—ensuring that the shift to sustainability benefits all communities, particularly those historically marginalised. His presentation at SESTEF 2024 is expected to spark important conversations about balancing environmental imperatives with economic and social equity.
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
As the world grapples with environmental challenges and seeks pathways to a sustainable future, research like this is crucial. By exploring the dynamics of green jobs through linked administrative data, the study provides a clearer picture of where we stand and what steps need to be taken to move forward effectively.
Join the Conversation
Those interested in the future of sustainable employment and equitable economic transitions are encouraged to attend SESTEF 2024. The conference promises a wealth of knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities with leading experts in the field.
The SESTEF Conference will be hosted by Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University.
For more information on the conference schedule and to register, please visit SEFSTEF 2024
Acknowledgements
The study is co-authored by Professor Peter Bradley, Dr Van Phan and Professor Felix Ritchie. This work is supported by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). ADR UK is a partnership transforming the way researchers access the UK’s wealth of public sector data, to enable better informed policy decisions that improve people’s lives. ADR UK is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) investment (part of UK Research and Innovation). [Grant number: ES/T013877/ and ES/Y001184/1].
About ADR UK
ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) is a partnership transforming the way researchers access the UK’s wealth of public sector data, to enable better informed policy decisions that improve people’s lives. By linking together data held by different parts of government and facilitating safe and secure access for accredited researchers to these newly joined-up and deidentified data sets, ADR UK is creating a sustainable body of knowledge about how our society and economy function – tailored to give decision makers the answers they need to solve important policy questions. ADR UK is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation.
