In a world awakening to the pressing need for sustainability, India stands at the forefront of a paradigm shift in its workforce dynamics – ushering in a wave of green jobs. This transformative movement addresses environmental concerns and spearheads economic growth through a sustainable lens.

India, a country with diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, is witnessing a profound shift towards green employment.

Munira Loliwala, from TeamLease Digital, underscores the rise of ‘green jobs,’ merging environmental preservation and economic growth. Only one in eight workers globally possess green skills, yet the sector is poised to hit the USD 2.8 trillion mark in 2023.

In India, the green industry employs 18.5 million, expecting 3.7 million more jobs by FY25. Key sectors driving growth include waste management (20% rise), renewables (30% market share), green construction (18%), and climate change initiatives (15%). India aims for inclusive green growth, catering to diverse groups like women, PwDs, and remote communities.

Green sector jobs demand a mix of sector-specific skills and essential competencies. Key skills include analytics, sustainability knowledge, financial understanding, stakeholder management, and project skills. India's National Education Policy (NEP) is supporting students to pursue impactful careers in environmental and social sectors, aligning with the growing focus on sustainability.

The surge in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) jobs reflects India's growing emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility. Job searches in sustainability roles rose by 31% from April 2022 to 2023, yet there's a 48% gap between supply and demand. The ESG job sector in India has grown by 223% since April 2019.

Women are increasingly prominent in the EV industry, excelling in areas like business modelling, design, e-mobility, and renewable energy. To enhance diversity, public-private partnerships and tailored strategies, like after-sales service centers, can create more opportunities for women. Building an inclusive green workforce is crucial for India's sustainable future.