Green Economic Transition and Green Skills: A Pathway for Sustainable Development

Abstract

The sustainable development goal of climate action calls for urgent actions to combat climate change and emphasizes climate mitigation and adaptation. Many global agreements have been signed to discuss the climate change issue and reports on climate action agree that the World should shift to a ‘Green Economic Growth’ model. A green economy is low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive. A green economy growth process advocates a sustainable growth strategy with investments in green employment and skills. Climate change and human capital are deeply interconnected and investing in human capital is essential. Human capital—the knowledge, skills, and good health—is needed to deal with climate change. A ‘green skilled’ population is essential to develop innovative climate solutions for a green economy. Green transition requires green skills - knowledge, and abilities to live in and develop a sustainable green economy. Green human capital is a foundational requirement to ensure that people do not become passive victims of climate change. The green transition measures have affected the existing job profiles and created new job opportunities. Green skills gaps imply that the skills of the existing workforce are inadequate for performing the green job efficiently. Skills shortages and gaps are major impediments to green transition. Skills must be revised to build foundational knowledge, research, and innovation in green economy-related fields. Greening Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) institutions to promote green skills to cater to the demand of green technology industries is the need of the hour. This research paper explores integrating green skills in education as a strategy for climate action.