What is meant by green workforce?

• “Green workforce” describes a broad grouping of careers that contribute directly to moving society and the built environment toward sustainability.
• They aim at reducing the negative environmental impact of economic sectors and further the process of creating a low carbon economy.
• Jobs involving renewable energy , energy efficiency means , etc fall under the category.

Benefits of a Green workforce

• A strong green workforce can improve the value and efficiency of the community’s natural and human systems.
• A number of community wide benefits coincide with developing, enhancing, or connecting the green workforce with local employment opportunities.
• It provides opportunities to enhance urban spaces through construction of green buildings, promoting energy use efficiency , etc

Initiatives

• Green jobs initiative 

• • The International Labour Organisation, the International Trade Union Confederation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Employers Organisation collectively launched the Green Jobs Initiative in 2008.
  • It is aimed at at bettering placements, training and creating opportunities for individuals to work in ‘green jobs’.

• Skill Council for Green Jobs 

• It was launched by the Union government on India, October 1, 2015. 

• In line with the National Skill Development Missions, it was set up to be a not-for-profit, independent, industry-led initiative. 

• It is promoted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

• • It aims to aid manufacturers and service providers in the green business sector.

• Specialised courses on sustainability

• • Indian Institute of technology, Indian Institute of management, The energy research institute ( TERI) offer specialised courses on green economy , sustainability, green marketing, green manufacturing. 
  • Short term courses are available to mid-career professionals who want to switch to climate-change related work. Ex: Someone with a software background could use their knowledge to understand nutrient based solutions (NBS) in a better manner.

Why in news?

• With climate education becoming more accessible, professionals from a diversity of fields are switching to sustainability- related careers.

https://www.thehindu.com/education/careers/a-green-workforce-to-save-the-planet/article66804911.ece