India Witnesses a 48% Increase in Green Jobs, Propelled Mainly by Generation Z and Lesser Urban Centers as per Recent Study
India is witnessing a surge in green jobs, with renewable energy engineering, solar energy systems, electric vehicle technology, waste management, sustainability consulting, ESG analytics, climate data science, carbon management, green building, and hydrogen energy research leading the way in in-demand green skills. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including strong policy momentum towards sustainability, growing awareness among the younger generation, significant investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, and the expansion of green entrepreneurship and innovation beyond metropolitan areas.
One of the key factors driving this change is the increasing environmental consciousness, particularly among Gen Z who represent 63% of green job applicants. Government policies supporting green energy and sustainability are crucial in this regard, fostering a conducive environment for the growth of green jobs.
Investments in renewable energy projects and sustainable urban infrastructure are also contributing heavily to job growth in green sectors. States like Odisha alone are expected to add over a million green jobs via bioeconomy and nature-based solutions.
The green economy growth is not limited to metropolitan areas. Cities like Indore, Kochi, Rajkot, and Madurai are becoming significant centers for green economic activities. This is partly due to affordable infrastructure, government incentives, and their industrial and tech ecosystem expansions aligned with sustainability principles.
The manufacturing and industrial sectors are also transforming with a focus on cleaner technologies and sustainability-driven minerals and inputs, creating specialized jobs related to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and circular economy efforts.
The expansion of startups and green entrepreneurship across towns and smaller cities is fostering local employment and innovation in climate solutions. This trend is expected to continue, with the demand for green jobs increasing by 11% by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum and NLB Services.
The most in-demand green jobs in India for 2025 include waste management, electric vehicle technology, solar energy systems, renewable energy engineering, and sustainability consulting. Digital skills like artificial intelligence and carbon tracking are also expanding rapidly.
The faster green job growth in Tier 2 and 3 cities is driven by better infrastructure, pro-climate state policies, and growing climate consciousness. Cities like Indore and Kochi are outpacing the 12-19% growth of metro areas.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a policy that could position India as a global leader in green innovation. The green jobs surge in India is currently growing at a rate of 48% year-on-year, with a significant increase in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Green job activity is increasing by 50% annually in these cities, surpassing the growth in metro areas.
Internship programs run by NGOs and the government provide practical projects and stipends for green job seekers, helping them gain real-world experience and enhance their employability.
Dr. Elizabeth Green, with over two decades of experience in sustainability, is a leading voice in the field. She hails from the USA and has a remarkable career in environmental advocacy, policy development, and educational initiatives focused on sustainable practices. Universities like IIT Madras and IGNOU are incorporating sustainability into their curricula to prepare the workforce for the climate economy. Dr. Green is actively involved in several global sustainability initiatives and continues to inspire through her writing, speaking engagements, and mentorship programs.
Preparing for a green career involves emphasizing real-world knowledge, credentials, and work experience in fields such as ESG analytics or renewable energy. Enhancing employability can be done by taking sustainability courses and participating in internships at universities like IIT Madras.
As India continues to prioritize sustainability, the demand for green jobs is expected to rise, offering exciting opportunities for young professionals looking to make a positive impact on the environment and society.
Courses focused on sustainability, green building, carbon management, and renewable energy are gaining popularity as young professionals seek to equip themselves with the necessary skills for the growing green job market in India.
ESG analytics, climate data science, and waste management are some of the high-demand green jobs in India, with electric vehicle technology and solar energy systems also seeing significant growth.
Consulting firms specializing in sustainability are on the rise, providing expertise to businesses and organizations looking to adopt greener practices and reduce their carbon footprint.
Beyond metropolitan areas, cities like Indore, Kochi, Rajkot, and Madurai are becoming hubs for green entrepreneurship and innovation, driven by supportive government policies, infrastructure, and a rising awareness of climate change.
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position India as a global leader in green innovation, fueling the growth of green jobs and the renewable energy industry.
Renewable energy projects, sustainable urban infrastructure developments, and the expansion of startups in green sectors are creating ample employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Investments in green jobs are projected to increase by 11% by 2025, making it essential for job seekers to focus on acquiring the necessary skills and experience to enter the green job market.
Internships in green jobs, provided by NGOs and government programs, provide practical experience and stipends to help individuals build their resume and become more competitive job applicants.
Dr. Elizabeth Green, a renowned figure in sustainability with over two decades of experience, advocates for sustainable practices, green policy development, and education. Universities such as IIT Madras and IGNOU are incorporating sustainability into their curricula to train the workforce for the growing green economy.
