The Green Economy in Italy: Insights from the 15th GreenItaly Report
As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, Italy stands out as a beacon of progress in the green economy. The recently released 15th GreenItaly Report, produced by the Symbola Foundation, Unioncamere, and the Tagliacarne Study Centre, reveals compelling data that underscores Italy’s commitment to ecological transition and sustainable growth. With the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, this report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the green economy in Italy, highlighting its impact on employment, investment, and competitiveness.
Employment in the Green Economy
At the end of last year, professional figures linked to the green economy constituted a significant 13.4% of total employed individuals in Italy, translating to approximately 3.163 million jobs. This statistic reflects a growing recognition of the importance of green skills in the labor market. In 2023 alone, new contracts activated for green economy roles reached 1.918 million, accounting for 34.8% of all expected contracts in the year, which is about 5.5 million. This marks an increase of 102,490 units compared to the previous year, indicating a robust demand for green talent across various sectors.
The sectors most impacted by this surge in green job activations include logistics (88.8%), planning and development (86.7%), and technical areas (80.2%). The report highlights that in 79.4% of cases, knowledge of green skills and culture was deemed necessary for the roles being filled, showcasing the increasing integration of sustainability into business practices.
Eco-Investments and Corporate Engagement
The report reveals that between 2019 and 2023, a remarkable 571,040 companies engaged in eco-investments, representing 38.6% of the total number of businesses in Italy. This statistic illustrates a significant shift towards sustainable practices within the corporate sector, with one in three companies actively participating in the green wave. This trend is not only beneficial for the environment but also positions these companies as leaders in innovation and resilience against economic crises.
Italy’s leadership in material recovery is particularly noteworthy, with a waste recycling rate of 91.6%, far exceeding the European average of 57.9%. Additionally, Italy has made strides in renewable energy, achieving a record 44% of energy production from renewable sources in 2023. The completion of the largest photovoltaic plant in Europe, set to be operational by the end of 2024 in Catania, is expected to further bolster Italy’s position in the global renewable energy market.
Regional Disparities in Green Job Growth
The report also sheds light on regional disparities in green job growth across Italy. Over the past five years, Lombardy has distinguished itself with more than 400,000 contracts related to green jobs. In 2023, the central regions of Italy are expected to see a marked growth of 12.6% in green job activations, translating to an additional 40,910 units. However, despite this growth, the central regions still lag behind in overall green activations, with only 364,510 units.
In contrast, the Northwest region leads in green job activations, with 622,270 expected in 2023, reflecting a 4.0% increase from the previous year. The South and Islands follow closely with 475,720 activations (+4.9%), while the Northeast anticipates 456,110 activations (+3.5%). The relative incidence of green jobs on total activations remains above the national average in the Northwest and Northeast, while the Center and South continue to work towards closing the gap.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
The findings of the GreenItaly Report emphasize the vital link between sustainability and competitiveness. Companies that invest in the energy transition not only enhance their productivity but also become more resilient in the face of economic challenges. As President of the Symbola Foundation, Hermes Realacci, noted, the data reinforces the call from Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella and the Draghi Report to prioritize green transition and decarbonization as key factors for enhancing competitiveness.
The ecological transition presents a unique opportunity for Italy to strengthen its economy and society. By fostering a culture of sustainability and investing in green skills, Italy can position itself as a leader in the global green economy, particularly as it prepares for significant international events like COP29 in Baku.
Conclusion
The 15th GreenItaly Report paints a promising picture of Italy’s green economy, showcasing the substantial growth in green jobs, eco-investments, and the overall commitment to sustainability. As Italy continues to navigate the complexities of ecological transition, the data presented in this report serves as a testament to the potential for economic growth that aligns with environmental stewardship. By embracing green skills and fostering innovation, Italy is not only addressing the challenges of today but also paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.