We face two key challenges: climate change and inclusive economic growth, and green jobs serve as the bridge between them.

From a global youth perspective on climate, we found that young people are aware, excited, and increasingly equipped to act. In fact, 67% report being worried about climate change. However, despite India’s booming green economy creating unprecedented opportunities, a critical talent and skills gap threatens to slow progress.
Green jobs represent more than just employment — they offer a balance of purpose, stability, and pride."

Sustainable education on the green economy must begin at the school level, starting from the very first day a child enters school. Teaching children how to segregate waste, reduce air conditioning use, and practice sustainability needs to start now. Sustainability education begins at school, and skilling should start from grade 10. Sustainable education starts from within, requiring practical, hands-on education. The pathway to green jobs begins in schools.

India’s path to net zero by 2070 requires disciplined decarbonisation, limited fossil fuel use, and stronger focus on green education. Empowering farmers in our agrarian economy and scaling green energy for both consumption and manufacturing are critical. Widespread education can reshape awareness, moving beyond the misconception that renewables only mean solar, and fostering collective responsibility for sustainable growth.

We shouldn’t predict what the jobs will be in the future, but rather prepare people to be flexible. Emphasis should be on critical thinking and problem-solving to equip individuals for the uncertainties ahead.

We are actively empowering marginalised communities with green skills. For example, we trained 800 women salt pan workers in Gujarat, and 40% of them received job offers through SEWA. We're also launching a Solar Rooftop Academy in Gujarat, focusing on training women, with the Skill Council for Green Jobs as a partner. Additionally, we’ve trained 90,000 sanitation workers across 500 municipal centers in mechanized cleaning techniques. We’re now looking to expand through international exchanges and South-South collaboration.

The PM's address on Independence Day marked a strong message on the circular economy mission, signaling the government's commitment, especially through NITI Aayog's efforts to address these issues. Mann Ki Baat has had 4-5 episodes focused on circular economy, making it a key part of our national discourse. So, for India, is there a choice when it comes to circularity? Looking at tariffs and trade barriers, no economy works in isolation. Some countries have already introduced sustainability-based trade barriers.

he urgency of action has been echoed across contexts, and we all agree it cannot be ignored. Education systems must prepare students to thrive and contribute positively and sustainably to society, yet sustainability remains a missing skill. A UNESCO survey revealed that over 70% of the curriculum did not even mention climate change or climate literacy as core objectives for young people.

My educator taught me through practical lessons—examining 25 dry wells, understanding their problems, and learning how to build dams and manage resources, which introduced me to GeoHydra science. This hands-on approach showed me the value of practical learning in addressing root challenges. To truly learn sustainability, we must love and respect nature.

Our focus is to use AI tools effectively and impactfully. AI is unavoidable, just doing a simple Google search already consumes significant time. We need to be intentional about what we search on Google versus what we query on ChatGPT. n the past, scientific research involved working with paper, computing results, and then publishing. Today, everyone needs access to computational tools, leverage AI for results, and then use those insights to augment their research. AI is here to augment you, not replace you.

Climate and sustainability can only be mainstreamed if we have strong guardians against greenwashing, and that itself comes up with many many opportunities.

TIt’s crucial to foster strong collaboration between governments and the private sector to design and scale programs that unlock new employment pathways. Green jobs pave the way for a more just and resilient world.