Embracing a Green Career Revolution: Eco-Friendly Professions Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future
The world is at a critical juncture where the need for sustainable development has become more urgent than ever. As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, there is a growing realization that traditional industries and practices are no longer viable in the long run. This has led to a surge in eco-conscious careers, the green jobs, which focus on promoting environmental sustainability while fostering economic growth. From renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, eco-conscious careers span various industries and sectors.
Global Perspective: Eco-Conscious Careers
According to the OECD and the UNEP, public and private sector investment in green growth is a further catalyst to jobs linked to solving environmental issues. In addition to job creation, these investments have also led to advancements in research and development, fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the green sector. Professionals in these fields work towards finding innovative solutions to minimize the negative impact on the environment while creating a positive social and economic impact. These careers offer individuals the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in addressing global challenges and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Green jobs: India’s demographic dividend
India is one nation where the shift to green jobs is critical. With the government strengthening the twin pillars of education & health in the Amrit Kaal, India is making notable progress in fostering sustainable development and green growth. India has integrated its development goals with climate action goals, updated its NDCs, and established itself as a world leader through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance & Green Hydrogen Policy. This commitment results in employment opportunities, for example, in sectors such as solar energy, wind power, and waste management. Additionally, the government’s emphasis on skill development is equipping youth with the necessary expertise to excel in these emerging fields. For example, the schools under the scheme PM SHRI, benefitting more than 20 lakh students, shall also be developed as ‘green schools’ with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure, and integration of organic lifestyle in the curriculum. Hence, it is quite evident that India’s green sector continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability efforts.
Green Skills, Development, and Civil Society
Globally, only 1 in 8 workers has one or more green skills (Global Green Skills Report 2023). Government interventions alone aren’t enough to suffice. According to the International Labour Organization, actions to combat climate change can create millions of jobs but require bold efforts and investing in people’s capabilities to realize their full potential. Here comes the criticality of interventions through civil society. NGOs and CSOs play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around eco-conscious careers and advocating for sustainable practices. They contribute to the discourse by raising awareness, lobbying for policy changes, and holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact. They can contribute significantly to the human & social capital required by working closely with local communities.
As an integral part of civil society, during my tenure at GRAAM, I witnessed the organization’s commitment to evolve with the Green Jobs Revolution. We hosted the International Youth Day Celebration program themed ‘Green Skills for Youth.’ We also conducted a webinar on Green Skills in collaboration with Minerva — RV Centre for Leadership & Executive Education with Speakers from renowned global organizations such as UNESCO. The speakers emphasized the role of education in imparting green skills and suggested practices like sustainable agriculture and waste management for youth to adopt in day-to-day life.
We participated in a dialogue with experts from the Green Energy Sector on the successful mainstreaming of persons with disability. The interaction provided a comprehensive view of the extensive green job landscape and the knowledge of over 300 unique job roles dispersed across 27 diverse sectors, accessible through platforms like PWD Naukri. As an organization, GRAAM is well-propositioned for collaboration with key stakeholders to explore different avenues to work towards sustainability and a green future. I was happy to be a part of these exciting initiatives.
Future Prospects
Eco-conscious jobs are integral to development as they provide employment opportunities and contribute to the overall well-being of communities. It is essential to have policy interventions that are both easier to adopt in the short term and are most effective in the long term. We need to collectively forge partnerships among governments, businesses, educationists, and civil society groups to transition workers to a green economy through upskilling and reskilling. There is a need to pair regulatory changes with workforce development investments. We need continued collaboration of industry workers with green skills, coupled with policies that incentivize the deployment of capital toward fighting climate change.
