The importance of developing green skills among youth in India

Green skills have emerged as an essential tool in mitigating and adapting to the rapidly changing climate.
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India, known for its rich and diverse ecosystems, is facing severe environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation and development. Pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the looming impacts of climate change are taking a toll on the balance of fragile natural ecosystems. While this year has presented a multitude of climate challenges, each with far-reaching consequences, 2023 was the warmest year on record, and 2025 is projected to be even hotter. India has observed a significant mean temperature increase of 0.15°C per decade since 1950, according to a 2020 assessment by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This has dire implications for ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.

Build resilience

The brunt of these environmental challenges is felt by the youth, who have to deal with not only the immediate effects but also the long-term consequences. Thus, for India’s younger generation, building resilience against these crises is vital, as they will inherit and shape the planet’s future. In this context, green skills have emerged as an essential tool in mitigating and adapting to the rapidly changing climate. These skills encompass technical knowledge, practical competencies, and mindsets required to implement sustainable practices, environmentally friendly technologies, and resource-efficient solutions across various sectors.

Green skills empower individuals to make sustainable choices, address pressing environmental concerns and are especially crucial for youngsters, who will drive the global shift towards sustainability. In India, approximately 20% of the workforce is already employed in green jobs, a number expected to double by 2030. This growing demand for green-skilled workers presents a unique opportunity to harness the country’s demographic dividend. The range of green skills needed spans (but is not limited to) renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, climate change adaptation, and waste management.

For example, skilling in solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance, or hydroelectric power plant operations can significantly contribute to India’s renewable energy transition. Expertise in sustainable farming practices, such as organic agriculture and water conservation, can strengthen food security while protecting the environment. Similarly, skills in urban planning, pollution control, and waste management are critical to create sustainable cities and reduce the ecological footprint of urban areas.

Green skills are not only about adopting new technologies but also include efficient management of existing infrastructure, services, and systems. India’s continued growth relies on sustainable operations across sectors, from energy to agriculture, to ensure that economic expansion does not come at the cost of the environment.

Pivotal role

The role of the youth in the green transition is paramount. Youngsters are already at the forefront of the net zero transition with climate action and spearheading sustainability initiatives. But, to effectively lead this charge, they need access to training and upskilling opportunities. Whether through formal education, vocational training, or informal programmes, acquiring green skills is essential to tackle climate challenges and lead communities in climate adaptation efforts. Youth-led green businesses and start-ups are already emerging across India, introducing innovative solutions to environmental issues. By leveraging their creativity, digital expertise, and future-oriented thinking, youngsters are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the green economy. As leaders in green entrepreneurship, they are laying the groundwork for a sustainable future, driving economic and environmental progress.

The government has recognised the need to invest in green skills and the Green Skill Development Programme, for instance, aims to skill youth in fields related to the environment, renewable energy, forestry, wildlife conservation, and climate change. Such programmes are essential to ensure that India’s future workforce is equipped to handle the demands of a green economy. There is also a growing shift in academic curricula, with an increasing emphasis on environmental education and sustainability.

However, there is still a need to align skilling courses and academic programmes with the specific needs of the green economy. This is a pivotal moment for India, as the youth have the potential not only to transform industries but also to drive a broader cultural shift towards sustainability in business, employment, and everyday life.

Balaji Vharkat is Climate Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, and Priyanka Shendage is State Consultant, UNICEF Mumbai.

Published – December 29, 2024 01:30 pm IST

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