Green Careers: Exploring opportunities and a path to a sustainable future

A decade ago, the term green career or green job would have been a disruptive concept. Today, it is a fact of life across industries.  So what is a green job or green career?

Well, the ILO ( International Labour Organisation) defines a green job as below:

“Green jobs reduce the consumption of energy and raw materials, limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste and pollution, protect and restore ecosystems and enable enterprises and communities to adapt to climate change. In addition, green jobs have to be decent [i.e. fair and dignified].”

The green brick road to sustainable businesses!

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are increasingly becoming integral to any business conversation. From start-up ecosystems to large established enterprises, everyone has a carefully crafted dialogue around how their policies and practices are now aligned to the UN’s SDGs. Not surprising, when we consider that nature and human enterprise are intrinsically connected. Sustainable development is the mantra of the 21st century — a recognition of the imperative that businesses need to be responsible and sustainable for our planet to survive. The wave of new green careers is but a natural progression of this realisation.

Some of the green jobs of the future would be unlike anything we’ve seen till date. The green wave will result in us reimagining the job market. In fact, it has already begun. As per a recent Deloitte article ,”with coordinated and rapid decarbonisation and the right policies in place, more than 300 million additional green-collar jobs can be created by 2050.”

The number of people in green jobs has increased exponentially over the past decade, up 38.5% from 2015 to 2021.  As expected, most of these jobs are in the renewable energy sectors. This sector added 700,000 jobs in 2020 and 2021.  India’s green story emulates global trends. India is aiming for 3.4 million new jobs by 2030, part of her target to achieve 500 gigawatts (GW) from non–fossil fuel energy

Green careers are transforming the job landscape across sectors. Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Environmental Conservation and Restoration, and Green Technology and Innovation are just some of the sectors where we are seeing an increased presence of green jobs.

The skills of the green age

A degree in environmental science, sustainable development, or environmental engineering are all steps in the right direction. An ESG Analyst (one of the most in-demand jobs) requires quantitative skills, an understanding of sustainability reporting, as well as a grip on assets and financial markets. A recent Deloitte report says other jobs that are likely to grow are Sustainability Manager. Wind Turbine Technician, Solar Consultant, Ecologist, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, etc.

The common skill set required for all of these careers is proficiency in areas such as environmental science, renewable energy technologies, and data analytics.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are paramount, as green professionals often grapple with multifaceted environmental issues. The ability to analyse data, identify patterns, and devise innovative solutions is crucial for developing sustainable practices across various sectors.

Effective communication skills are equally vital, as green jobs often involve collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, communities, and businesses. 

Adaptability is a key trait in the dynamic field of sustainability. Green professionals need to stay abreast of emerging technologies, evolving regulations, and shifting environmental priorities, requiring a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.

Finally, a passion for sustainability and a commitment to ethical and responsible practices are intrinsic qualities for success in green jobs. Individuals with genuine dedication to making a positive impact on the environment are well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future.

Resources: zurich.com, economictimes.indiatimes.com, action.deloitte.com, weforum.org, deccanherald.com