Page 117 - Design Thinking C11

Green Jobs
Encouragement of green jobs is one way we can help in the preservation and restoration of the environment.
A green job contributes to and sustains the transition to ecologically-sustainable modes of production and
consumption. It affects all sectors, including energy, material and water conservation, waste management,
and pollution control.
Green jobs, also known as green-collar jobs, are jobs in agricultural, administrative, research and development,
industrial, and service sectors that contribute significantly in protecting or restoring environmental quality,
according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). 'Environmental quality' refers to a set of
generalised or localised traits and characteristics of the environment that affect humans and other species.
A green-collar worker is someone who works in the economy's environmental areas. Professionals such as green
building architects, environmental consultants, waste management or recycling managers, environmental
or biological systems engineers, landscape architects, solar and wind energy engineers and installers, green
vehicle engineers, organic farmers, environmental lawyers, and businessmen dealing with green services or
products are examples of green-collar workers. Electricians who install solar panels, plumbers who install solar
water heaters, construction workers who construct energy-efficient green buildings, technicians and workers
involved in the establishment of wind power farms, and those working for clean and renewable energy
development are examples of green workers. Green jobs at the enterprise level contribute to sustainability by
developing eco-friendly products and services such as energy-efficient appliances, biodegradable materials,
and sustainable urban planning. These jobs support environmental well-being by integrating renewable
energy sources, promoting waste reduction, and enhancing green infrastructure.
However, these green outputs (products and services) are not always based on environment-friendly
manufacturing processes and technologies. As a result, green employment can be characterised by their
contribution to environment-friendly procedures. In addition, the government, in collaboration with business
partners, is promoting energy awareness and technologies for energy efficiency, influencing consumer
behaviour and establishing energy codes. To overcome the skilled labour shortages, the Indian government is
looking at long-term development. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has established the
‘Green Jobs Skill Council’. It is striving for enhancing the usage of renewable energy, long-term development,
and handling of waste.
Green jobs, that exist in a variety of occupational profiles of talents and educational backgrounds, are a
completely new sort of career, but the majority are based on established professions and occupations. The
government is also providing the push for green jobs as a part of restructured growth policies under its 'Make
in India' programme, with the goal of building a greener economy and developing environment-friendly
employment possibilities. ‘Make in India’ is intended to encourage investment, accelerate innovation,
improve talent development, safeguard intellectual property, and construct best manufacturing structures.

Advantages of Green Jobs
The transition to a green economy presents immense opportunities for innovation, business growth, and
environmental protection. Green jobs not only contribute to sustainability but also create new industries,
enhance efficiency, and support global climate initiatives.

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