8. Decent work and economic growth
Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015.
However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.
Read our stories to learn more about SDG Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
To adopt SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth, in support of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, please contact us at partners@eco-business.com
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To prepare for climate-fuelled floods and heat, Bangladesh's garment factories are using new data sources, including worker input.
Thailand’s movement to protect LGBTQ+ rights has brought economic as well as social benefits. However, the country's draft marriage equality bill must first get passed by a conservative senate.
Polisi & Kewangan
Despite war, Indians rush to fill Israel’s construction jobs gap
Thousands are applying for jobs in Israel, where building sites have been short of workers since the start of the Hamas conflict.
Polisi & Kewangan
Analysis: How green are Pakistan’s political manifestoes?
The Third Pole looks at the manifestoes of Pakistan’s main political parties in the run up to national elections to see what they promise on green growth, renewables, climate adaptation and mitigation.
Makanan & Pertanian
Seaweed ‘could survive nuclear war, avert famine’
Pendapat
Polisi & Kewangan
COP28 outcome makes green skills business-critical
Workers worldwide will need the expertise and resources to drive the fossil fuel-free agenda forward.
Makanan & Pertanian
Women bear the brunt of Asia’s climate failures
What does the future hold for the millions of women left to work in Asia's agriculture sector battling a climate in collapse?
Polisi & Kewangan
Here’s how to boost gender equality and climate action together
Work must continue beyond the two weeks in Dubai to drive a gender-responsive transition, writes COP28's Razan Al Mubarak in her post-COP28 reflection. Improving data, finance and creating work opportunities for women should be prioritised.
Bandar-bandar
Exploited and unprotected: Life as a gig worker
The booming gig economy in Malaysia leaves workers vulnerable with no benefits and susceptible to exploitation.
Polisi & Kewangan
My country needs climate finance now to face difficult years ahead
Sisa Kumbahan
Turning the tide: Vietnam’s war against plastic waste
Makanan & Pertanian
Bridging the gap for smallholders amidst tightening regulations
Video
Polisi & Kewangan
Tackling climate change in a mosaicked Asia
Studio EB
Asia's green transition pathways need to be socially inclusive given huge differences in economic development across the region, says experts at the Boston Consulting Group. State-owned enterprises have an "outsized" role to play, they add.
Bangunan Hijau
Getting our urban environment to net-zero
Studio EB
Our urban infrastructure is responsible for almost 40 per cent of global carbon emissions. Climate solutions need to include the biggest energy guzzlers, clean energy and retrofitting old buildings.
Karbon & Cuaca
Women in STEM driving sustainability
Women play a key role in developing innovations to push for sustainability, but barriers remain to their entry into STEM careers. To celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science, EB Impact speaks to three women in science on making an impact and pursuing careers in STEM.
In gridlocked, smoggy Southeast Asian cities, change is afoot to electrify transport and clear some of the world's most polluted skies. This video documents the pockets of hope for e-mobility around the most climate-vulnerable region.
Audio
Polisi & Kewangan
‘We do not just adopt global standards, we respond to domestic challenges’: Philippine central bank exec Lyn Javier
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas assistant governor tells the Eco-Business Podcast about the regulator’s maiden sustainability report that features an empirical study of climate impacts on banks as well as the nation’s first taxonomy.
In a region where large hydro projects and expanding biofuel plantations coincide with an upcoming coal phaseout, a laissez-faire approach could worsen existing inequalities and mar the success of a clean energy buildout.
Polisi & Kewangan
How did Covid change sustainability events?
Studio EB
Covid-19 didn't kill events, but it did change them. Teymoor Nabili and Veemal Gungadin tell the Eco-Business Podcast how a pandemic transformed the way sustainability events are conceived and organised.
GoTo sustainability head Tanah Sullivan tells the Eco-Business Podcast that regulating net-zero claims would decarbonise Southeast Asia faster. Indonesia's biggest internet firm aims to cut emissions to zero by 2030 — a target critics say is unrealistic.
