Not long ago, the whole world was harshly reminded by a 15 year old climate activist, Greta Thunberg, of the imminent dangers earth faced due to carbon emissions. Greenhouse effect, carbon emissions and global warming are serious concerns in the present world. Leaders worldwide are addressing these concerns through national and international summits aimed at reducing our carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability has given rise to a new generation of “green-collar” professionals with a passion for environmental protection and expertise in creating sustainable workplaces. These professionals possess the in-demand “green skills” needed for the growing field of “green jobs.” As per the LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report, the proportion of workers with green skills grew by 12.3%, while job postings requiring green skills grew even faster at 22.4%. The demand for professionals with “green skills” will continue to grow in the coming days.
Let us discuss “Green Jobs” in this edition of “The People Weekly”. Embarking on an unending journey of discovery, PeopleLogic tirelessly endeavours to present the freshest trends to our readers, ensuring they stay at the forefront of what’s captivating the world.
What are Green Jobs?
As per ILO, green jobs are those that “contribute to preserve or restore the environment, be they in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction, or in new, emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
Thus green jobs focus on
- Using lesser energy and materials to get the same output
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that trap heat and disrupt our climate
- Safeguarding and restoring ecosystems that are vital for life on Earth
- Minimising waste and pollution that harm our air, water, and land
- Promoting resilience in the face of climate change, protecting our communities and economies
Evolution and Rise of Green Jobs
Early roots of green jobs can be traced back to traditional roles in conservation, forestry, and pollution control. However, the concept truly started to take hold in the late 20th century. As environmental issues like climate change gained prominence, the idea of jobs that benefited the environment, rather than harming it, started to take root. However, it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that environmental concerns became a mainstream issue. Events like the first Earth Day in 1970 marked a turning point, sparking public dialogue about sustainability.
For the first time, in 2015, the “Paris Agreement On Climate Change” brought together many countries(194) which pledged to reduce their emissions and to adapt to climate change impact. Public policy shifted towards promoting sustainable practices, and incentives were introduced to encourage the development of green technologies. This fertile ground allowed green jobs to flourish.
Some of the major factors that catalysed the rise of green jobs are
- Climate Change Concerns: As the urgency of addressing climate change grows, governments and businesses are investing heavily in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. This creates a demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
- Shifting Consumer Preferences: Consumers are increasingly environment conscious and are looking for environment friendly products and services.
- Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in renewable energy technologies, sustainable materials, and green building practices are opening up new job opportunities.
- Government Policies and Regulations: Governments around the world are enacting stricter environmental regulations, mandating cleaner technologies and practices. This creates compliance requirements that in turn drive demand for green jobs.
Green Jobs: Present Scenario
Global
Global energy demand will grow by 47% in 2050, and to meet this demand while ensuring the average global temperature increase not beyond 1.5 degree will require massive infusion of green skills throughout the energy sector esp renewable energy sector. ILO is anticipating around 100 million jobs to be created in the green sector by 2030. Electric vehicles as an alternative to petrol/ diesel vehicles are gaining prominence. Most organisations are more conscious about integrating sustainability in their workplace. As per LinkedIn report, the job postings which required at least 1 green skill grew by 15.2% in the year 2023 as compared to 2022.
National
The demand for green jobs in India is to grow massively, with a report suggesting that India will create 30 million green jobs by 2030. India’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 has driven the creation of favourable policies and regulations that promote sustainability. National Solar Mission, FAME, National Hydrogen mission are some of them. The major sectors that will drive green growth in India are
An IBM-Morning Consult survey found a surge in demand for sustainability professionals, with over 80% of Indian business leaders planning to hire them in 2024. This means a massive surge of employment in the green sector. India now has around 18.5 million green professionals and by FY’25 another 3.7 million green jobs will be added.
Green Skills
As per United Nations Climate Change website “Green skills include technical knowledge, expertise and abilities that enable the effective use of green technologies and processes in professional settings. They draw on a range of knowledge, values, and attitudes to facilitate environmentally sustainable decision-making at work and in life.
There are over 600 green skills and 400 green job titles. A strong foundation in STEM is a non-negotiable skill in green jobs even though there are green jobs that may not require a STEM background. Also knowledge of scientific principles, regulatory policies and global energy markets is welcome.
Some of the fastest growing “green skills are
- Climate action planning
- Carbon emissions
- Carbon accounting
- Green IT
- Impact Assessment
- Carbon credits
- Energy audits
- Corporate sustainability.
- Sustainability reporting
Prominent green jobs sector wise
Renewable Energy: Solar Panel installers, Wind Turbine specialists, Solar Project Managers, Biomass Engineers, Energy Auditors, Microgrid Specialists etc
Transportation : EV Design Engineers, EV Battery Specialists, Green Logistics Specialists, Supply Chain Sustainability Experts etc.
Finance : ESG Analyst, Sustainable Investment Analyst, Green Bond Specialist, Sustainable Insurance Specialist, Carbon Markets Specialist etc
Construction and Manufacturing: Green Building Specialists, waste management or recycling managers, Sustainable Material Specialists, Green Supply Chain Managers etc
Information Technology: Green IT Consultant/Advisor, ESG Analysts, Green BI analysts, Chief Sustainability Officer, compliance specialist etc
Challenges and the Road Ahead
The rapid rise of green jobs also presents some challenges. One major hurdle is the skills gap – ensuring the workforce has the necessary knowledge and expertise to fill these new positions.There is a severe dearth of green professionals globally. As per the Linkedin report, when the demand for green skills increased by 22.4%, the supply remained at 15%. Around the world only 1 in 8 possessed at least 1 green skill. An article by bloomberg pointed out this issue of the skill gap in green jobs. A UNESCO analysis of 100 countries only 53% make any reference about climate change in their curriculum. Education and training in climate change and sustainability is still low on priority in many countries.
Educational institutions and training programs need to adapt to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the green economy. Reskilling the workforce and ensuring a smooth transition for those in traditional industries impacted by the shift are crucial considerations. GOI’s Skill Council for Green Jobs is a welcome initiative but the road ahead is very long before we reach the the destination of a healthier, cleaner planet.
PeopleLogic Opinion
Green jobs are a win-win for the environment and the economy. They provide a path to a sustainable future by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and mitigating climate change, all while creating new opportunities for decent work with good wages and working conditions. As we transition to a greener economy, there will be a growing demand for these jobs, making it a great time to consider a career that helps protect the planet.
PeopleLogic with its 16 years legacy, expertise and experience is confident of its capability to find green talent. Our proven track record and deep understanding of the green job market ensure we can identify the most qualified and passionate candidates to propel your sustainability initiatives forward.
