Authored by: Pallavee Dhaundiyal Panthry, Spokesperson and Chief Communication Advisor, World of Circular Economy (WOCE)
As the world faces the realities of climate change, governments, businesses, and individuals are taking action to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. This shift is creating new opportunities for professionals in carbon reduction and related fields.
Growing demand for carbon reduction professionals
The demand for carbon reduction professionals is on the rise, and the emergence of such professionals presents significant opportunities for individuals looking to make a positive impact on the environment while building a fulfilling career. According to various reports, the largest absolute growth is expected in education, agriculture, and digital commerce, with investments that facilitate the green transition of businesses creating more than half of the job-creation effects.
Fastest-growing jobs in sustainability and related fields
The Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum highlights the fastest-growing jobs in AI and machine learning specialists, sustainability specialists, business intelligence analysts, and information security specialists. Investment in the green transition and climate-change mitigation, as well as increasing consumer awareness of sustainability issues, are driving industry transformation and opening new opportunities in the labor market. Renewable energy engineers, solar energy installation, and systems engineers will also be in high demand as countries seek more renewable energy sources.
Investment in green transition driving job creation
Investment in the green transition will drive growth in more generalist sustainability roles, such as sustainability specialists and environmental protection professionals, which are expected to grow by 33% and 34% respectively, translating to growth of approximately 1 million jobs. However, since sustainability and green jobs require higher levels of creative problem-solving, more nonroutine activities, formal education, and on-the-job training than traditional jobs, more training will be necessary to meet the skills demands in green and sustainability positions.
India’s potential for a green economy and job creation
India’s transition to a green economy could contribute more than $1 trillion in economic impact by 2030, as well as create over 50 million jobs, according to the World Economic Forum report. The transition can contribute over $1 trillion to the country’s GDP by 2030, with the potential to increase to $15 trillion by 2070. The economic benefits of the green transition will be seen across various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, healthcare, and education. India also has the potential to create a renewable energy market worth $500 billion by 2030.
Education and training for aspiring carbon reduction professionals
As the world continues to transition to a low-carbon economy, the demand for professionals in carbon reduction will continue to grow. Those interested in pursuing a career in this field should seek out educational and training programs that can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this growing industry. The Indian government is recognizing the importance of professionals in carbon reduction and is taking action by creating a skilled workforce in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. More training will be necessary to meet the skills demands in green and sustainability positions, as these require higher levels of creative problem-solving, more nonroutine activities, and formal education and on-the-job training than traditional jobs.
India’s educational institutions bridge the climate skills and demand gap
India’s academic institutions are addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the field of sustainability by offering specialized courses on green jobs, including environmental sustainability, green economy, sustainable products, green marketing, and green manufacturing. Some of the well-known institutions offering climate-centric courses are IISc Bengaluru, TERI in New Delhi, IIT-Mumbai, IIT-Hyderabad, Anant National University, Gujarat University, and Ashoka University. These institutions offer a range of degree programs, including MTech and PhD programs in climate sciences, a master’s degree in climate science and policy, and a Bachelor of Technology specializing in climate technologies. Ashoka University has taken a step further by mandating ecology and environmental studies in all its undergraduate courses to address the demand for skilled workers in the field of sustainability.