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The report investigates how transitioning to a closed-loop economy affects employment, concluding that circular economy proxy measures are generally more labour-intensive than fossil-fuel-related jobs and can decouple economic activity from greenhouse gas emissions.

The document examines the transition from a linear to a circular economy, highlighting its potential to create jobs and increase GDP. It synthesizes projections from various international bodies, noting that while Europe has extensive data suggesting net job gains in recycling and services, Canada's 'environmental and clean technology' sector employs approximately 274,000 people as of 2016, though its growth lags behind the broader economy.

The document analyzes how biophysical climate impacts and international trade shifts threaten employment in South Africa's chemicals sub-sector, while identifying job creation potential through mitigation and adaptation interventions.

The report investigates the impact of a transition to a green hydrogen economy on TVET-level employment in South Africa, contrasting domestic development with international export opportunities. It identifies key sectors for skill development—including chemicals, electrical machinery, and PGM mining—and argues that while GHE jobs are expected to grow significantly after 2030, the TVET system must address structural gaps and develop specialized curricula in fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturing to support a just transition for workers in coal and refining.

The document outlines job creation potential for coal truckers transitioning to biomass supply chains in South Africa, highlighting that lignocellulosic biomass offers the highest employment potential, with 3,076 driver jobs possible in coal regions alone.