Guwahati, March 28: As the world transitions towards a green economy, there is a growing need for a skilled workforce to drive economic growth and sustainable development, said Dr. Sanghamitra Bhattacharyya, Professor and Director, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon.
Speaking at a recent event, Dr. Bhattacharyya emphasized that the transition to a green economy presents an opportunity for job creation, innovation, and economic growth. However, she also highlighted the need to address the skills gap and facilitate workforce development to meet the demands of the green economy.
Dr. Bhattacharyya defined ‘green skills’ as the technical proficiency, values, and attitudes essential for fostering sustainable outcomes across business, industry, and the community. These skills, she said, are increasingly indispensable across diverse sectors, driven by imperatives such as the European 2020 strategy and the US Green Jobs Act.
She added that the growth of the green economy in India will create new job opportunities for professionals adept in sustainable construction techniques, energy-efficient design, and eco-friendly food processing.
At the same time, she said that green skills are increasingly sought across diverse sectors like solar and wind energy, electric vehicle transition, and sustainable cooling solutions.Globally, professionals adept in sustainable construction techniques, energy-efficient design, and eco-friendly food processing are highly coveted.” A recent study has identified key green skills for the future, ranging from carbon footprinting to climate data analysis, underscoring the multifaceted nature of sustainability, she added.
Dr. Bhattacharyya concluded by emphasizing the need for early integration of green skills into curricula, experiential learning, and online courses tailored to specific fields. She also stressed the importance of equipping educators and trainers with the requisite expertise to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and drive transformative change across industries.