Green Transformation of the Labor Market: A Legal Perspective on Sustainable Employment

Abstract

Global climate change poses an increasingly serious challenge not only to environmental systems but also to the economic and social spheres, particularly affecting labour market dynamics and the ability of states to provide decent and sustainable employment. The ongoing transition to a green or low-carbon economy requires a fundamental rethinking of the legal and institutional frameworks governing labour relations. As economies restructure themselves in response to environmental imperatives, labour laws must evolve to support this transformation, while ensuring the protection of workers’ rights and the creation of fair and inclusive labour markets.

This article examines the principles of sustainable employment in the context of climate change, focusing on the need to harmonize environmental policies with labour laws and employment strategies. Sustainable employment in this context refers not only to the creation of jobs in environmentally responsible sectors (‘green jobs’), but also to the social dimension of the transformation of work – ensuring social justice, inclusion and resilience in the face of climate-induced economic shifts.

The paper examines both international legal standards and national approaches, highlighting the importance of integrating global frameworks such as the International Labour Organization Just Transition Guidelines and the Paris Agreement into national policies and legislation. A detailed legal analysis is provided, highlighting how these international commitments can inform national labour law reforms to support a just and sustainable transition.

Special attention is paid to the experience of the Republic of Moldova and its legal capacity to adapt to climate-related challenges in the world of work. Comparative insights are drawn from countries such as Germany, Canada and Belarus, which have adopted progressive legal and policy frameworks to address employment challenges related to climate change. For example, Germany’s integration of climate and employment strategies, Canada’s federal support for workers affected by the energy transition and Belarus’s state employment programs offer valuable models.

The article formulates a number of proposals for improving the current legislation for the Republic of Moldova. These include the development of national sustainable employment strategies, legal guarantees for retraining and upgrading workers, creating incentives for creating environmentally friendly jobs and aligning labour market institutions with environmental goals.

The article formulates a number of conclusions justifying that adapting labour legislation to climate challenges requires a comprehensive, multidimensional approach that balances environmental responsibility with social justice, economic development and legal certainty.