EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF A GREEN ECONOMY

Аннотация

This article examines issues related to employment and the development of human capital in the context of the green economy. The green economy is an approach that both protects the environment and promotes economic growth. The paper focuses on the growth of human capital through the creation of new jobs, development of professional skills, and the implementationof green technologies. Keywords: green economy, employment, human capital, sustainable development, ecological innovations,green jobs. Introduction. In recent years, issues of environmental protection and sustainable economic development have become globally significant. Against this backdrop, the concept of a "green" economy is receiving increasing attention. A green economy ensures economic growth without harming the environment and supports sustainability. This economic model directly affects employment levels andthequality and development ofhuman capital. The transition to a green economy presents both opportunities and challenges in the labor market. For Uzbekistan, strategic government planning and retraining programs are essential for the successful implementation of this transition. The benefits of a green economy can be fully realized bycreating new jobs and adapting the existing workforce to new economic conditions. In 2019, the President of Uzbekistan approved Resolution PQ–4477 "On the Approval of the Strategy for Transition to a Green Economy for 2019–2030." This strategy focuses on increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy sources, and implementing environmentally friendly technologies. These initiatives aim to create new jobs and promote economicgrowth. Today, environmental issues and climate change are driving a reassessment of economic systems globally. Traditional production models negatively impact the environment, leading many countries to accelerate their transition to green economies. The green economy not only addresses environmental problems but also creates opportunities for job creation and human capital development. Thegreen economy is basedon several key principles:  Efficient and rational useofresources;  Environmental protection;  Measures to combat climate change;  Development ofsustainableproduction and consumption culture;  Implementation ofclean technologies.  These principles lead to new directions in the labor market and alter the qualitative demand forhuman capital. page1960 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue05,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai Green Jobs and Employment Transformation. Green jobs refer to employment in sectors that ensure environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy, waste recycling, green transportation, and energy-efficient construction. New professions and specializations are emerging, including environmental science, alternative energy, and ecological engineering, requiring a new generation of skilled professionals. Modernization of vocational education is also essential. Vocational training and retraining centers must incorporateeco-technological knowledge. In the context of the green economy, the development of employment and human capital are complementary processes. Environmentally based economic growth not only creates new jobs but also enhances the quality of human capital. Therefore, education, skill development, andinnovation require special attention in thetransition process. Table1 Employmentgrowth ingreen economy sectors (2020–2024,thousandpeople) Year Solarenergy Wind Green Waste Total green energy construction recycling jobs 2020 5,2 3,1 6,8 2,5 17,6 2021 6,4 4,0 7,5 3,2 21,1 2022 7,9 4,8 8,6 4,1 25,4 2023 9,1 5,7 9,4 4,9 29,1 2024 10,5 6,5 10,1 5,8 32,9 page1961 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue05,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai Diagram 1.Employment growth in the"green" economy in Uzbekistan in 2020–2024. Green Economy and Employment Strategy inUzbekistan Uzbekistan has prioritized thetransition to agreen economy as part of itsnational policy. Recentdevelopments include: ‒ Investment ingreen energy projects such as solar, wind, and bioenergy; ‒ Implementation ofecological standards in production processes; ‒ Integration ofgreen jobs intoemployment strategies. ‒ Additionally, programs such as “Green Uzbekistan” aim to raise public awareness of environmental culture. The transition to a green economy brings both new opportunities and certain challenges in the labor market. According to the World Bank, decarbonization and the shift to green policies can affect people's lives and livelihoods, such as through job losses incertain sectors or declining incomes. Thus, retraining and upskilling programs are essential to adapt to labor market changes. Human Capital andtheGreen Economy Human capital ref