Signal Low-carbon transition lifts Korean utility and recycling employment through 2033

Summary

KEIS projects that the low-carbon transition will add workers mainly in industries tied to producing energy inputs and recycling materials. Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply is projected to grow at 1.8 percent a year, from about 89,000 workers in 2023 to about 106,000 in 2033. Water supply, sewage, waste management and materials recovery is expected to grow at 0.9 percent a year, from about 147,000 to about 161,000. Both industries are singled out because of their connection to climate change response. The report adds that whether, and how fast, companies and government pursue carbon neutrality will produce different effects on labour demand across industries.