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Powering India’s Economy and Environment: The Potential of Green Jobs
Posted on June 28, 2023 by Editor
Green jobs represent a sector that combines economic prosperity with environmental sustainability, offering the dual promise of a thriving economy and a healthier planet. Simply put, these are roles in agriculture, manufacturing, research and development, administrative, and service activities that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality. These could range from jobs in renewable energy, like solar or wind energy technicians, to roles in sustainable agriculture and green building construction.
As India embarks on its journey towards becoming a more sustainable and green economy, the green jobs sector is gaining significant momentum. Reports by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggest that the green jobs sector has the potential to become a vital part of India’s labour market and gross domestic product (GDP).
“As we stand on the cusp of a green future, it’s crucial to understand the potential and inherent challenges of the economy. In our organisation, we envision a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability coexist, an intersection where green jobs lie. This sector isn’t just a beacon for job creation but a chance for India to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development. The rewards are promising – a robust economy and a healthier planet. The green economy is not just a sector of the future, it is the future,” said Jayanthi Yeshwant Kumar, Chairman, Ad Astra Consultants.
A report by the Wall Economic Forum further bolsters this assertion, projecting the creation of an astounding 50 million green jobs by 2030. This growth is not just a surge in employment; it represents an investment with an estimated economic impact. Despite the evolving landscape of the green economy in India, it faces challenges in terms of the talent gap. However, concerted efforts are being made to bridge this gap through skill development.
Opportunities and Challenges
As per a report by McKinsey, the global renewables industry alone will need an additional 2.8 million workers to develop, construct, operate, and maintain wind and solar plants by 2030. The talent gap isn’t confined to blue-collar roles; the industry also faces a dearth of project developers, managers, finance experts, and legal staff.
This talent gap presents a paradox – on one hand, it signifies an opportunity to stimulate the job market and, on the other, it indicates a need to focus on training and skills development to fulfil the demand. The challenge lies in addressing this gap to fully leverage the potential of the green economy.
The Twin Pillars: Environmental Sustainability and Economic Progress
The green economy, with its profound potential for job creation, is poised to make substantial contributions to India’s GDP and environmental sustainability objectives. The Mission 2070: A Green New Deal for a Net-Zero India report further identifies different sectors as the focal points to maximise the opportunities presented by the economy. This transition holds the promise of creating more than 50 million net new jobs and generating over $15 trillion in economic value by 2070.
Promising as the potential economic gains are, the true value of the green economy lies in its alignment with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Equipping India’s Workforce for the Green Future
Recognising the talent gap in the green sector and the need for specialised skills, India has launched initiatives to promote skills development. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a public-private partnership, prioritises skill development in sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Further, India has taken a lead in the region by establishing the Skills Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) to identify and promote the development of the skills needed for a “green business”.
Learning and Adapting from Global Success Stories
While India is taking strides towards a sustainable green economy, there’s much to learn from global success stories. The 2022 Global Green Skills report by LinkedIn reported a rise in global green talent, from 9.6% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2021 – a cumulative growth rate of 38.5%. This surge demonstrates a growing global commitment to environmental sustainability. The annual growth of roughly 8% in job postings requiring green skills since 2015 further underscores the growing demand for green jobs. These global trends can inform India’s approach and strategy in fostering its green economy.
Looking Towards the Future
While the future of green jobs in India holds immense potential, it also presents formidable challenges. Addressing the talent shortage in the green sector requires prompt investment in green skills training and education, specifically within high-demand areas.
Concurrently, policy environments need to be made more favourable, incentivising renewable energy initiatives and providing subsidies for green businesses. These measures could stimulate growth in the sector, propelling India to the forefront of the global green revolution.
As we step into this green future, embracing the green jobs revolution becomes crucial. Despite the challenges, the rewards promise a sustainable economy and a healthier planet. By investing in skill development and supportive policies, we can ensure a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability coexist.
Powering India’s Economy and Environment: The Potential of Green Jobs
Posted on June 28, 2023 by Editor
Green jobs represent a sector that combines economic prosperity with environmental sustainability, offering the dual promise of a thriving economy and a healthier planet. Simply put, these are roles in agriculture, manufacturing, research and development, administrative, and service activities that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality. These could range from jobs in renewable energy, like solar or wind energy technicians, to roles in sustainable agriculture and green building construction.
As India embarks on its journey towards becoming a more sustainable and green economy, the green jobs sector is gaining significant momentum. Reports by the International Labour Organization (ILO) suggest that the green jobs sector has the potential to become a vital part of India’s labour market and gross domestic product (GDP).
“As we stand on the cusp of a green future, it’s crucial to understand the potential and inherent challenges of the economy. In our organisation, we envision a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability coexist, an intersection where green jobs lie. This sector isn’t just a beacon for job creation but a chance for India to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development. The rewards are promising – a robust economy and a healthier planet. The green economy is not just a sector of the future, it is the future,” said Jayanthi Yeshwant Kumar, Chairman, Ad Astra Consultants.
A report by the Wall Economic Forum further bolsters this assertion, projecting the creation of an astounding 50 million green jobs by 2030. This growth is not just a surge in employment; it represents an investment with an estimated economic impact. Despite the evolving landscape of the green economy in India, it faces challenges in terms of the talent gap. However, concerted efforts are being made to bridge this gap through skill development.
Opportunities and Challenges
As per a report by McKinsey, the global renewables industry alone will need an additional 2.8 million workers to develop, construct, operate, and maintain wind and solar plants by 2030. The talent gap isn’t confined to blue-collar roles; the industry also faces a dearth of project developers, managers, finance experts, and legal staff.
This talent gap presents a paradox – on one hand, it signifies an opportunity to stimulate the job market and, on the other, it indicates a need to focus on training and skills development to fulfil the demand. The challenge lies in addressing this gap to fully leverage the potential of the green economy.
The Twin Pillars: Environmental Sustainability and Economic Progress
The green economy, with its profound potential for job creation, is poised to make substantial contributions to India’s GDP and environmental sustainability objectives. The Mission 2070: A Green New Deal for a Net-Zero India report further identifies different sectors as the focal points to maximise the opportunities presented by the economy. This transition holds the promise of creating more than 50 million net new jobs and generating over $15 trillion in economic value by 2070.
Promising as the potential economic gains are, the true value of the green economy lies in its alignment with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Equipping India’s Workforce for the Green Future
Recognising the talent gap in the green sector and the need for specialised skills, India has launched initiatives to promote skills development. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a public-private partnership, prioritises skill development in sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Further, India has taken a lead in the region by establishing the Skills Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) to identify and promote the development of the skills needed for a “green business”.
Learning and Adapting from Global Success Stories
While India is taking strides towards a sustainable green economy, there’s much to learn from global success stories. The 2022 Global Green Skills report by LinkedIn reported a rise in global green talent, from 9.6% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2021 – a cumulative growth rate of 38.5%. This surge demonstrates a growing global commitment to environmental sustainability. The annual growth of roughly 8% in job postings requiring green skills since 2015 further underscores the growing demand for green jobs. These global trends can inform India’s approach and strategy in fostering its green economy.
Looking Towards the Future
While the future of green jobs in India holds immense potential, it also presents formidable challenges. Addressing the talent shortage in the green sector requires prompt investment in green skills training and education, specifically within high-demand areas.
Concurrently, policy environments need to be made more favourable, incentivising renewable energy initiatives and providing subsidies for green businesses. These measures could stimulate growth in the sector, propelling India to the forefront of the global green revolution.
As we step into this green future, embracing the green jobs revolution becomes crucial. Despite the challenges, the rewards promise a sustainable economy and a healthier planet. By investing in skill development and supportive policies, we can ensure a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability coexist.