In his Independence Day speech on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the nation’s focus on promoting green growth and creating sustainable employment opportunities. Modi highlighted India’s ambition to lead in green hydrogen production and its dedication to generating jobs in environmental conservation and renewable energy sectors.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) projects that the circular economy, which includes reusing, recycling, and sustainable manufacturing, will create numerous green jobs. Since 2015, demand for green skills has surged by 40%. The ILO estimates that energy production and consumption changes could generate around 18 million jobs globally.
A report by the Skill Council for Green Jobs and Sattva Consulting, supported by JP Morgan, projects that India could create 35 million green jobs by 2047. Upskilling workers in traditional sectors to adopt greener practices is crucial for addressing climate change challenges.
Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the railways by 2030. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the ministry’s initiatives, including a shift from diesel to electric traction, renewable energy procurement, and energy efficiency measures. The Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) to support these efforts. Additionally, the Indian Railways Organization for Alternate Fuel (IROAF) is exploring alternative fuels, including a pilot project for retrofitting hydrogen fuel cells on Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) rakes.