Green Jobs Set To Surge

Green jobs refer to employment opportunities in industries and sectors that focus on environmental sustainability and preserving natural resources. India has been actively supporting green growth in recent years as the government seeks to decrease its carbon footprint and migrate to renewable energy sources with the goal of fostering sustainable economic development. To achieve these targets, the Indian government has implemented several policies and initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, the Energy Conservation Building Code, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Swachh Bharat Mission. These initiatives aim to promote the use of clean energy, reduce energy consumption and waste, and promote sustainable practices in various sectors.

Correspondingly, a rise in demand for green jobs is on the cards. The government's commitment to green growth, as highlighted in the 2023 Union Budget, is resulting in increased investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, green buildings, waste management, conservation of natural resources, sustainable agriculture and other areas that are key to achieving sustainable development. This is leading to the creation of new job opportunities and growth in existing green industries, as companies and organisations look to take advantage of the government's green initiatives. The renewable energy sector in particular is expected to see significant growth, as the government aims to increase its share in the country's power mix.

Additionally, the government's focus on green growth will also likely drive the development of new technologies and business models that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, further increasing the demand for green jobs.

The following are some of the areas where green growth is expected to create significant job opportunities in India:

●    Renewable Energy: India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy below 45%, achieve 50% cumulative electric power from renewables by 2030, produce at least 5 MMT (million metric tonne) of green hydrogen per annum by 2030, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This has resulted in the growth of jobs in the production, installation, and maintenance of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies.

●    Green/Clean Transportation: With the Indian government promoting the use of electric vehicles, there is a growing demand for jobs in the production and maintenance of electric vehicles. Its adoption and the development of charging infrastructure is creating jobs in EV manufacturing, charging station installation, and maintenance. 

●    Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a critical aspect of green growth, and the government has launched several initiatives to promote energy-efficient appliances and buildings. Hence, there is a growing need for professionals who can help companies and households reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon emissions. This includes roles such as energy auditors, building retrofit specialists, and sustainability consultants.

●    Sustainable Agriculture: India has a large agricultural sector and there is a growing need for sustainable farming practices that reduce the sector's carbon footprint. This includes roles in organic farming, sustainable water management, and agroforestry.

●    Waste Management: As India continues to grow, there is a growing need for sustainable waste management solutions to deal with the country's increasing waste problem. There is a growing demand for skilled workers in this field. This includes jobs in waste collection, recycling, and the development of waste-to-energy projects.

The future of green jobs in India is very promising with the government's continued focus on green growth as the country continues to pursue sustainable development. The government's initiatives and policies have created a favourable environment for investment in green technologies and created significant employment opportunities in the country. It is expected to create numerous job opportunities in India, particularly in the renewable energy, green/clean transport, and sustainable development sectors. The Green Hydrogen Mission alone, for example, is expected to create over six lakh jobs by 2030. These jobs offer a unique opportunity for individuals to build successful careers while making a positive impact on the environment.

(Anshuman Das, ceo and co-founder, Careernet)