India’s burgeoning green economy is on a trajectory of monumental growth, projected to achieve a valuation of $1 trillion by 2030 and an astounding $15 trillion by 2070.
This remarkable expansion is set to catalyse an unprecedented surge in employment opportunities, with an estimated 7.29 million green jobs expected by the financial year 2027-28, escalating to a colossal 35 million by 2047, according to a recent report by NLB Services. This transformative shift underscores India’s commitment to fostering zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable urban environments, aligning economic progress with environmental stewardship.
The evolution of green jobs from niche roles to mainstream career paths has been particularly pronounced over the past four to five years, spanning sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure. Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, highlights a pivotal shift in the required skillsets. “Today’s green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency,” he asserts, noting the increasing integration of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools. This technological confluence is not only laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers but also demanding a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and deeply embedded in digital competencies.
As the green sector continues its robust expansion, industries are recalibrating their investment strategies beyond merely adopting green technologies and renewable energy sources. A parallel and equally vital focus is being placed on cultivating a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the burgeoning demand. This strategic pivot is inherently reshaping traditional hiring paradigms, with employers increasingly prioritising practical green skills and hands-on experience over conventional academic degrees. This emphasis on applied knowledge ensures that the workforce is not just theoretically aware but practically adept at navigating the complexities of sustainable practices.
Furthermore, a collaborative ecosystem is emerging, with many companies forging partnerships with colleges and universities. These collaborations are designed to equip young talent with sustainability-related skills, ensuring a steady pipeline of job-ready professionals. Concurrently, significant investments are being directed towards inclusive hiring and re-skilling programmes, aiming to bridge skill gaps and create equitable opportunities across diverse demographic segments. This inclusive approach is fundamental to building gender-neutral and equitable cities, where economic growth is accessible to all.
The new employment outlook surpasses earlier projections, with the green sector now anticipated to grow at an even faster pace than the previously estimated 15-20 per cent annually in job demand. This accelerated growth is particularly evident in high-potential fields such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), green construction, waste management, and sustainable textiles, which are becoming key drivers of this green employment boom. While major metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi currently serve as primary hubs for green jobs, the report indicates a significant decentralisation of these opportunities.
Smaller cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad are rapidly emerging as vital green job centres. Tier II and Tier III cities are projected to contribute a substantial 35-40 per cent of the 7.29 million jobs by FY28, largely propelled by advancements in sustainable agriculture, logistics, and warehousing sectors. Moreover, the landscape of green job roles is diversifying rapidly, with a projected 20-30 per cent yearly rise in demand for professionals in areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analytics, climate data analysis, and green technology, reflecting a sophisticated and evolving market for sustainable expertise.
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