The world is facing the biggest threat of all time: the climate crisis. And India is focussing on finding a solution to the problem. Being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has tackled the climate crisis efficiently while supporting 17% of the population, which is commendable. Under the Indian presidency, the recently organised G20 focussed on the theme, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, only proves how India believes in the value of all life and in balancing social, economic, and environmental factors to create a harmonious and resilient society.
The key is to meet the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. And this is where the importance of green skills comes into the picture.
What are Green Skills?
Green Skills refers to acquiring skills and knowledge related to environmental sustainability and conservation. The aim is to:
- Restore environmental quality, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society, and
- Include jobs that safeguard the ecosystem and biodiversity, reduce energy and minimise waste and pollution.
Why is it so important?
In India, the significance of green skilling is increasing day by day. In an era of massive layoffs, green skills may be the jobs of the future. Why? Read on:
Rapidly growing population and industrialisation have strained the natural resources and the environment. A skilled workforce that can implement environmentally friendly practices is the need of the hour.
India is susceptible to climate change and its impacts. Green skilling can help reduce pollution, conserve resources and promote renewable energy.
By 2030, India aims at achieving 450 GW of renewable energy and zero carbon emissions by 2070. Green skills are the only way to meet the targets.
Water scarcity and excessive use of fertilisers are some of the challenges that the agriculture sector in India has to tackle time and again. Green skills in organic farming can help conserve soil fertility and promote food security. Otherwise, the food crisis would become insurmountable with more desertification and infertile soil. Green skills also help promote recycling, proper water disposal, and reuse of manufacturing products.
India attracts lots of tourists annually. While tourism boosts the economy, its effect on the environment must be addressed. Green skills in eco-tourism and implementing sustainable hospitality practices like refillable room supplies and bamboo sachets for toiletries can save money and reduce waste. Individuals can reduce their ecological footprint by acquiring green skills and, thus, contribute to a better and brighter future.
Green Skill Development Programme
In line with the Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) for better job opportunities. The goal is to skill about 7 million youth in forestry, wildlife, environment and climate change sectors. For instance, sustainable urban development can lead to equitable goods and services, cleaner transportation and more environmental buildings.
National Green Corps is another project which focuses on sensitising young students to sustainable practices and the conservation of the environment. Additionally, many NGOs and educational institutions are committed to promoting green skilling and creating awareness about eco-friendly practices. In 2015, the Skill Council for Green Jobs was launched. It focuses on developing job roles, accrediting training organisations and training of trainers. By 2025, it expects and targets to accredit 60 training organisations, train 1490 trainers and certify more than a million learners.
We are leaving a mark globally!
With India progressing in almost every field and leaving a mark globally, India’s efforts and initiatives in renewable energy and sustainable practices, like solar and wind power installation, have also caught the West’s attention. Additionally, more countries have started investing in training programmes to build a skilled workforce to tackle environmental challenges and meet sustainability goals.
Undoubtedly, India is eyeing the growing opportunities presented by the green economy. And rightly so, it leaves no stone unturned to achieve the perfectly green grass-greener than ever!
Credits
Smriti is a certified digital content writer. She has a master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism, loves the mountains and the beach, lives out of suitcases/trunks (Fauji life)! Cold coffee fuels her creativity and helping out an animal in need makes her heart full.
References
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- https://unfccc.int/news/why-are-green-skills-important-for-youth
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/mid-career/now-acquiring-green-skills-can-get-you-job-as-demand-is-increasing/articleshow/100767862.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
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