India has a rich tapestry of ecosystems and a rapidly growing population. The pressure on its natural resources is immense, leading to environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. In the dynamic landscape of India, where environmental challenges loom large, the importance of green skills has never been greater.
What are Green Skills?
Green skills are knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.
Green skills are essential for learners as they offer pragmatic solutions to these challenges. From adopting renewable energy sources to sustainable waste management practices, green skills empower learners to contribute actively to building a greener India.
India’s green economy is rapidly expanding, and it is estimated that millions of jobs will be created in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology sectors in the coming years. Green skills open up new avenues of employment for learners, particularly in rural areas where sustainable practices can revitalise local economies. As India is a global leader in the green movement, learners with these skills gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
What is the demand for green skills globally?
According to the green skills report by LinkedIn, between 2022 and 2023 alone, the share of green talent in the workforce rose by 12.3% across 48 countries, while the share of job postings requiring at least one green skill grew nearly twice as quickly.
While overall hiring slowed globally between February 2022 and February 2023, job postings requiring at least one green skill have grown by 15.2% over the same period.
However, around the world, only one in eight workers have one or more green skills. Put another way, seven in eight workers lack a single green skill. As such, upskilling becomes important.
Initiatives for Green Skills in India:
The Green Skill Development Program (GSDP) is one of India’s most important efforts to promote sustainability. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is in charge of implementing the GSDP, introduced in 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The course aims to develop a pool of qualified workers in the environment and forest sector, including renewable energy, pollution control, and biodiversity preservation. The emphasis is on providing training and certification in various green skills to young individuals, particularly those from rural and disadvantaged areas, to contribute to the nation’s sustainable growth.
The GSDP has identified 80 different green skills that are in demand in India. These skills are categorised into various sectors like biodiversity conservation, environmental management and pollution control, renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable water management, eco-tourism, sustainable building designs, and sustainable construction.
Learn more about the program here.
Green Curriculum in Quest App:
Quest Alliance has introduced a new green curriculum with the aim is to build green mindsets in young learners.
The modules called ‘Green Futures’ are spread across 7 sections:
- Introduction Green Mindset
- A Look into the Future – Agriculture and Industries
- The Present and the Future
- Waste Management
- Green Practices & Green Jobs
- A Look into Future Trends
- Sustainable Resources
Login to www.questapp.in and explore the Green Futures module.
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India is facing significant challenges due to the effects of climate change, including frequent extreme weather events and resource scarcity. Green skills help learners mitigate their environmental impact and prepare them to adapt to changing climate conditions. Sustainable agricultural practices, water conservation methods, and disaster management training equip learners to face the challenges posed by a warming world.
As India embarks on its sustainable development journey, green skills become a linchpin for success. By imparting these skills, we catalyse positive change, nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals ready to steer India towards a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.
