The potential of green jobs in Turkey

Besides to environmental issues caused by climate change, according to Global Risk Perception survey which is carried out by the World Economic Forum in 2017, with a range of various age groups, countries and sectors, unemployment and underemployment trend take the first line as the most challenging trend over the next 10 years. Creating green jobs is seen as the key solution to respond to unemployment threat especially for youth and to meet the challenges of transition towards a green economy. Although there is no consensus about the definition of green jobs, attempts have been taken in international agendas and developed countries have already created national perspective whereas developing countries are struggling to build their own definition with local perspective and policy framework. In Turkey, as an emerging country, the intention of creating a green vision is also popular that some big private companies are trying to adapt their strategic plans as well as national development plans. Relatedly, green economy and green jobs are the brand-new concepts that Turkey tries to dig into for developing its own national and local framework. Following to green economy, green jobs take place in legal policies indirectly. It is observed that the transition process from green economy policies into reality is straggling especially for developing countries. To facilitate the establishment of green jobs development path, this study intends to focus on figuring out the potential of Turkey, while the green economy and green jobs strategies are ongoing. While addressing all green key concept evaluation through a literature review, the study internalizes the International Labor Organization's (ILO) conceptual framework and methodology to classify sectors and to assess the green job potential via decent work criteria. The study illustrates the existing and potential level of economic activities related to green sectors of Turkey under the ILO's conceptual and methodological framework. Although green jobs can be created in many sectors, some employment areas potentially serve as more advantageous for accelerating the steps of the national green economy roadmap. Focusing on the selected areas shed light on the capacity of Turkey's labor force. This thesis is motivated to be a leader in this field to reveal green jobs notion for Turkey. Furthermore, making estimation in number looking through sector-based employment is the essential point to comprehend a green jobs roadmap. This study intends to fulfill the gap and takes a further step to calculate the current situation and makes assumptions for future developments. In addition, this study finalizes the research highlighting further steps that should be taken. Regarding the meaning of green jobs and green economy implications in the labor market context, further steps are recommended to comprise all sectors analysis regarding actors and stakeholders. Solving the data collection system can lead to make an accurate estimation and to apply the right policies. Within rational implications and green jobs roadmap, social welfare, as well as environmental protection, can be observed. Powerful and conscious green employment will lead the nation to be more productive and competitive.