The Vital Role of Persons with Disabilities in the Green Transition
In the quest for a sustainable future, the global shift towards clean energy presents an opportunity for environmental preservation and social justice. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the dire need for this transition, noting that nearly all people breathe air that exceeds quality limits, threatening their health. Among those affected, persons with disabilities remain a group whose struggles are yet to be quantified. Yet, as we pivot to wind and solar energy, we must ensure that the burgeoning job market in these sectors is inclusive, offering opportunities for persons with disabilities to contribute and thrive.
The International Energy Agency’s forecast of a net gain of nine million jobs in clean energy by 2030 is promising. However, the critical success metric will be the inclusivity of these jobs. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change emphasizes the need for a just transition of the workforce, which must include persons with disabilities. Their voice, agency, and empowerment as energy and climate actors are indispensable.
The global transition to a low-carbon economy, as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), will result in job creation, substitution, elimination, and transformation. This shift requires fundamentally restructuring the energy supply sector, moving from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Here, persons with disabilities can bring about inclusive energy efficiency innovations, leading initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation agriculture.
Technical schools in Kenya, such as Sikri Technical and Vocational College for the Blind and Deaf and Karen Technical Training Institute for the Deaf, offer a glimpse into the potential for skills development in the renewable energy sector that is disability-inclusive. Such initiatives could pave the way for an effective match of green jobs with applicants with disabilities, equipping them with the knowledge and competencies to compete in the emerging green jobs market.
The principles of a just transition can be transformative in the world of work by empowering persons with disabilities. They would have equal opportunities to benefit from new or upgraded green jobs and the economic empowerment they can offer. The only way forward is to capacitate them, provide them with the necessary equipment and resources, and enable them to leverage their talents and skills as part of the transition.
In conclusion, as we navigate the path toward a sustainable and equitable future, we must apply the principles of a just transition to the energy sector. By empowering persons with disabilities, we can create a diverse, innovative workforce capable of driving climate action and building a low-carbon economy. The time for action is now, and the opportunity for transformative change is within our grasp. Let us commit to making energy governance inclusive and just for all, including persons with disabilities, as we forge ahead in transitioning to a greener world.
