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How is personnel development changing in the green economy and what skills should employees bring with them? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, enabling people to learn from others and better understand the world.
Answer by Melissa Lee, Founder and CEO of The GREEN Program, am Quora:
Preparing for the Green Economy: Upskilling by 2030
Awareness of the impact on the environment has led to a growing focus on green jobs and the green economy that prioritizes sustainability. As the green economy expands, the demand for professionals with the expertise to deal with environmental issues increases. The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that the transition to the green economy will create around 100 million new jobs by 2030, with the potential to create up to 60 million jobs through the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Investments in clean energy, sustainable transport and energy efficiency could reach $90 trillion by 2030 and drive the development of millions of new jobs worldwide. The number of wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers in the United States is forecast to grow at an exceptionally rapid pace, underscoring the need for a green-skilled workforce.
However, the green transition also brings challenges, including a shortage of green professionals and the need for reskilling as certain sectors such as the petroleum industry face job losses. To meet the demand for green jobs and close the skills gap, investing in green/sustainability education and job training programs is crucial. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the economic benefits of sustainability and the importance of diversity and climate justice in their sustainability efforts. Attitude trends reflect an increased focus on climate justice, diverse and inclusive attitudes, skills in renewable energy, circular economy and sustainable finance.
The skills shortage in the green economy is significant, with skills shortages in areas such as solar energy, wind energy and energy efficiency. Currently there is a lack of standardized certifications and training programs for green jobs, making it difficult for employers to identify qualified candidates and for job seekers to know what skills they need to acquire. The transition to a green economy must also prioritize high wages, predictable schedules and paid vacations to ensure a just transition.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020 estimates that four out of ten workers will need reskilling. In addition, the United Nations Environment Program has identified six key categories of skills required for success in green industries: science, architecture and planning, green engineering and technology, agriculture, environmental justice and systems thinking. Closing the skills gap requires the provision of education and training programs that provide workers with the skills they need. Vocational and technical schools, apprenticeships and in-service training programs play an important role in the further qualification of the workforce. Here are some case studies from organizations with human resource development initiatives addressing the skills gap in green jobs:
1. The GREEN Program (TGP) is an award-winning experiential education program that provides accredited sustainability education through 8-10 day academic adventures around the world. The GREEN program provides academic knowledge, practical skills and hands-on experience in renewable energy and sustainability in global sustainability epicenters such as Iceland, Peru, Nepal, Patagonia and Belize. The program aims to empower participants to become sustainability leaders and provides graduates of the program with access to resources, opportunities and a global network of sustainability jobs. TGP graduates remain committed to sustainability efforts and go on to work for forward-thinking companies such as the Environmental Defense Fund, National Geographic, the United Nations, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Google, IBM and more.
2. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Skills for Climate Action programme: A global initiative focused on improving skills for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. The program emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable access to education and ensures that marginalized groups and underserved communities have equal opportunities to acquire the skills needed for green jobs. By promoting skills development in the context of climate action, the program seeks to create a workforce capable of driving sustainable development and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
3. Dream.Org Business Council and Green For All Program: The Dream.Org Business Council is dedicated to reshaping the green sector landscape by empowering black and brown entrepreneurs, encouraging inventive solutions, and fostering cross-industry collaboration. They have partnered with black and brown entrepreneurs and green industry innovators to create the Business Council. Dream.Org’s Green For All program paves opportunities for diverse talent to revolutionize cleantech and sustainability.
The growing focus on the green economy and its impact on the environment has led to an increased demand for professionals with green skills. Faced with challenges such as green skills shortages and reskilling needs in declining sectors, we must work together to make a difference. Initiatives such as the GREEN program, UNDP and the Dream.Org Business Council & Green For All Program are working to close the skills gap and equip individuals with green skills today. Collaboration between governments, academia and employers is key, alongside standardized certification and training programs. By investing in education and training, we can develop a skilled workforce for a fairer and more sustainable future.
This question originally appeared on Quora – the place to gain and share knowledge, allowing people to learn from others and understand the world better.
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