The Climate Transition and Employment: Towards a Just and Skilled Transformation of the Belgian Labour Market

The Climate Transition and Employment: Towards a Just and Skilled Transformation of the Belgian Labour Market

The climate transition will not be possible without a profound transformation of our employment and training policies.

This is the key conclusion of a new report published by the Federal Public Service for Public Health, conducted by CLIMACT and IDEA Consult, which analyses how the transition to a low-carbon economy will impact the Belgian labour market.

A Dual Challenge: Opportunity and Transformation

The transition represents a unique opportunity to create quality, sustainable jobs. However, it also brings significant challenges for certain sectors that will need support in their reconversion.
To seize this opportunity while ensuring a just transition, action is needed now — to adapt training programmes, anticipate future green skills needs, and strengthen the link between education and the labour market.

Focus on Seven Key Sectors

The study explores the dynamics of the climate transition across seven key sectors of the Belgian economy:

• Transport

• Health

• Agriculture

• Circular economy

• Research & development

• Education

• Construction

From this analysis, three main messages emerge:

1. The climate transition can generate sustainable and attractive employment.
2. Better anticipation of future skills needs is essential to prepare the workforce for emerging green professions.
3. The alignment between education and the labour market remains insufficient and must be strengthened.

From Analysis to Action

Beyond these findings, the report formulates clear and actionable recommendations to guide policymakers, educators, and businesses:

• Integrate climate-related skills and sustainability principles structurally into all levels of education and training.

• Support sectors facing major transformation through tailored reconversion and upskilling programmes.

• Strengthen dialogue between employers, educators, and policymakers to ensure that emerging professions and green skills are rapidly reflected in training curricula and professional frameworks.

CLIMACT’s Contribution

At CLIMACT, we are proud to have contributed to this strategic work alongside IDEA Consult.
We continue to support public authorities and businesses in translating these recommendations into concrete action plans — helping every sector turn the climate transition into a social and economic opportunity.

📄 Read the Full Report

The complete study is available on the FPS Public Health website:
Access the full report 📄

 In the Press

• Le Soir: Read the article

• De Standaard: Read the article