Green Jobs

Green Jobs

News: During his speech on the occasion of World Environment Day, PM Modi highlighted India’s efforts to create ‘green jobs’.

About:
• They are a class of jobs that directly have a positive impact on the planet, and contribute to the overall environmental welfare.
• They’re aimed at reducing the negative environmental impact of economic sectors and furthering the process of creating a low-carbon economy.
• Jobs involving renewable energy, conservation of resources, ensuring energy efficient means are categorised under the same.

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 bettering placements, training and creating opportunities for individuals to work in ‘green jobs’.

What are India’s effort in this regard?
• A Skill Council for Green Jobs has been launched on October 1, 2015.
• It was set up to be a not-for-profit, independent, industry-led initiative.
• It was aligned to the National Skill Development Missions.
• Promoted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• It aims to help manufacturers and other service providers in India’s ‘green business’ sector.

Importance:
• For India ‘green jobs’ can prove immensely useful to the country with sectors like renewable energy, waste management, green transport and urban farming all having great potential to employ a trained workforce.