What are ‘green jobs’, mentioned by the PM in his Environment Day speech?

What is the News?

At an event to mark World Environment Day, the Prime Minister spoke about India’s consistent efforts to combat climate change. He also mentioned India’s efforts to create ‘green jobs’.

What are Green Jobs?

‘Green jobs’ refer to a class of jobs that directly have a positive impact on the planet, and contribute to the overall environmental welfare. 

Jobs involving renewable energy, conservation of resources, and ensuring energy-efficient means are categorized under the green jobs. 

In all, they’re aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact of economic sectors and furthering the process of creating a low-carbon economy.

India and Green Jobs

According to the International Labour Organization(ILO), India moving to a green economy by the next decade would alone create about 3 million jobs in the renewable energy sector.

For instance, the renewable energy sector created about 47,000 new jobs in 2017 accounting for a 12% increase in just the span of a year.

Initiatives to Promote Green Jobs

Green Jobs Initiative 

Launched by: International Labour Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Employers Organization in 2008.

Purpose: It is aimed at bettering placements, training and creating opportunities for individuals to work in ‘green jobs’.

Skill Council for Green Jobs 

Setup by: Government of India in 2015 as a not-for-profit, independent, industry-led initiative.

Promoted by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII)

The council has also been aligned to the National Skill Development Missions.

Mandate: To help manufacturers and other service providers in India’s ‘green business’ sector to implement industry-led, collaborative skills push the country on the path to truly realizing the real potential and significance of ‘green jobs’.

Source: The post is based on the article “What are ‘green jobs’, mentioned by the PM in his Environment Day speech?” published in Indian Express on 7th June 2022.