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
Adopt this goalNews
Global Witness warns that mining for green energy is fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in Asia and elsewhere, urging tougher standards and protections.
Policymakers must discard the 'grow now, clean later' model, attract investment in renewables and collaborate, according to a former senior advisor for the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.
As Bangladesh pays debts to Indian energy firm Adani Power, its new government wants to go green.
Carbon & Climate
Pause on steel projects shows challenges of China’s green transition
Suspension can temporarily contain increasing capacity but the real issue lies in the slowing of the industry’s decarbonisation.
Policy & Finance
What is the climate loss and damage fund and where is the cash?
Policy & Finance
Imbalance of power: Women at international climate negotiations
Food & Agriculture
From farmers to importers: how Filipino rice growing went wrong
Opinion
While Vietnam manufacturer VinFast may be one of the first Southeast Asian companies to explore the United States electric vehicle market, how it is making inroads highlights untapped potential for deeper economic engagement with the US.
Policy & Finance
The delay to EU deforestation rules must help people transition
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) can help protect nature and biodiversity but requires careful cooperation.
Energy
Power wheeling can drive corporate investments and advance Indonesia’s renewable energy goals
Allowing private firms to sell clean power directly to consumers via PLN's networks could help the country meet its targets without burdening the national budget and to let the state-owned electricity utility focus on grid modernisation.
Food & Agriculture
Modern slavery rife in the ‘last frontier’ at sea
Sustained pressure, from governments to seafood shopping consumers, could help end the suffering of migrant workers in offshore illegal fisheries.
Policy & Finance
Climate adaptation is as imperative as mitigation
Carbon & Climate
Clearing the air on snow leopards and last chance tourism
Videos
EB Studio
Amid fresh debates about what corporate purpose should be, there is mounting evidence that corporate purpose leads to stronger brand reputation, better talent attraction and more resilience, leading to improved financial performance.
Policy & Finance
Tackling climate change in a mosaicked Asia
EB Studio
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.
Green Buildings
Getting our urban environment to net-zero
EB Studio
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.
Carbon & Climate
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.
Podcasts
Food & Agriculture
Faraway tale of pastoralist struggles spotlights China’s green growth complexities
A researcher lived with camel herders in Inner Mongolia for years to find out how they're coping with both conservation schemes and modernisation. He tells the Eco-Business Podcast about their challenges and lessons for the world.
Carbon & Climate
‘Five years ago, everyone wanted to be Elon Musk’: Where is climate tech in Southeast Asia now?
Entrepreneur Steve Melhuish tells the EB Podcast where the biggest opportunities to reduce emissions and make money are in Southeast Asia, and why finding the right economic incentives is critical for climate tech startups.
Policy & Finance
The race to insure Southeast Asia against climate risk
Asia lags the world in natural catastrophe protection. Part of the problem could be counting extreme weather losses only after they happen, industry insiders tell the Eco-Business podcast.
Policy & Finance
‘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.
