The Rise of Green Jobs: Good for Our Planet Good for the Economy
Overview
- Green Jobs are jobs that directly or indirectly contribute to preserving or restoring the environment.
- The best part about green jobs is that their impact extend beyond the environment. It greatly contributes to social and economic upliftment as well.
- Wondering about the scope of green jobs in India? In March 2023 alone, there were around 19,379 active job postings for green jobs.
- Upskilling for green jobs is now easier with platforms like The Green Pillar offering courses on environment and sustainability.
- Read the blog and make a better decision for yourself and this planet by becoming a part of this change
We all have heard of white collared jobs, blue collared jobs, but have you heard of green jobs? Maybe not. But guess what? Green collared jobs are not only the most in-demand jobs these days but also the best opportunity to create an impact that goes beyond your own self. So what are green jobs? Let’s find out. International Labour Organization defines green jobs as “Decent jobs 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.” In other words, green jobs are jobs that directly contribute to the betterment of our environment.
Now, reading this a lot of us may be inclined to equate green jobs with working in an NGO driving tree plantation initiatives or waste management initiatives. While those definitely fall under the green jobs, the scope of green jobs extends way beyond that. Green jobs are all about working in fields that help protect the environment and move us towards a low-carbon economy.
The cool thing is, green jobs aren’t just good for the environment, they’re good for the economy too! As the world gets more eco-conscious, there’s a bigger demand for these jobs, which means more opportunities for innovation and growth in these fields.
Embracing Green Jobs: Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future
In a rapidly changing world, green jobs have emerged as a crucial pillar in promoting sustainability and combating climate change. Here are five compelling reasons why green jobs are vital for our planet:
1. Fighting Climate Change, One Job at a Time
Green jobs are on the frontline of the battle against climate change. From renewable energy technicians harnessing the power of the sun and wind to sustainable agriculture experts promoting eco-friendly farming practices, these roles directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
2. Boosting Economic Growth and Innovation
Embracing green jobs stimulates economic growth and innovation. As demand for sustainable products and services increases, businesses invest in research and development, leading to groundbreaking advancements in green technologies.
3. Preserving Precious Natural Resources
Green jobs focus on the preservation of our planet’s finite resources. Workers in conservation, recycling, and sustainable forestry safeguard our biodiversity and protect ecosystems from irreversible damage. By practising responsible resource management, green jobs promote a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are used efficiently.
4. Empowering Communities and Promoting Social Equity
Green jobs offer a path to a fairer and more inclusive society. They often prioritize local hiring and empower communities to participate actively in environmental initiatives. For instance, energy-efficient home retrofitting projects create employment opportunities for skilled workers within the community, while providing affordable and sustainable housing options to residents.
5. Nurturing a Sustainable Mindset
Beyond their immediate impact, green jobs instil a culture of sustainability that extends far beyond the workplace. As individuals engage in environmentally conscious practices at work, they are more likely to adopt similar habits in their personal lives.
Carving a Niche: Scope of Green Jobs in India
In India specifically, green jobs are jobs that revolve around Environmental, Social, and Governance factors. The demand for ESG jobs is on the rise. In March 2023, there were around 19,379 active job postings for ESG roles. The highest number of job closures occurred in December 2022 and January 2023. On average, between December 2022 and March 2023, about 12,400 ESG jobs were posted, and approximately 14,136 positions were closed. Throughout this period, the average number of active ESG-related jobs remained at 24,000.
As per trends, big and small corporations in India are fully onboard with ESG! Take Reliance Industries, for instance. They’ve totally integrated ESG into their business models. And that’s not all! HDFC Bank is all about ESG commitment too. They’ve set up a dedicated ESG committee, consisting of top-notch members from various key departments within the bank and are actively hiring to grow this vertical.
It’s impressive to see these companies taking environmental and social responsibility seriously, making significant strides in the ESG realm. Their actions serve as an inspiration for others to follow suit and make a real impact on our planet’s well-being.
Learning for a better future: Upskill for Green Jobs with The Green Pillar
Green jobs being in vogue is not just a fad, it is an outcome of human actions, actions that have caused havoc on the environment for years. Green jobs are essentially a win-win situation that it not only benefits the environment but our society and economy as well. Green Jobs require certain green skills that one needs to acquire in order to master this sector.
At The Green Pillar we are on a mission to combat climate change by offering climate courses that can help spread awareness and encourage people to upskill for green jobs. Only by learning, one can act and create an impact. You can sign up for our “Be the Impact Creator” course today and make a positive impact on the society. This course will help you utilize your abilities to make this world a better place for all. Get inspired by success stories and explore the best ways to amplify your good deeds. Get your digital certificate on course completion and exclusive TGP membership. Enroll today!
