Wednesday | 11 December 2024 | Reg No- 06
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Wednesday | 11 December 2024 | Epaper
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Green skills needed for a greener economy 

Published : Tuesday, 5 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 811
Md Nurunnabi
Green skills, green technology, green jobs, and the green economy are interconnected and proven components for sustainable development within skills development ecosystem. The more we extend the green realm in practices the greater we achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The nurturing of green practices bridges the efforts of paving the paths towards environmental protection, a must for a greener future for all. 

Green skills refer to the abilities needed to use and develop green technology which enhance green jobs leading to an unconditional entrance into green economy. Green technologies create green jobs, providing employment opportunities in sectors that focus on sustainability.  Besides, green skills and green technology, together contribute to a green economy, which aims for sustainable growth and the co-existence of human skills along with environmental biodiversity.

Green jobs are essential for sustainable development including decent work, good wages, job security, career prospects, and worker rights. By 2030, there will be an estimated 100 million green jobs worldwide, about 2% of the workforces, with 50 million in Asia. However, skill shortages in green jobs persist due to skills development gaps, mismatched industry needs, lack of relevant programs, insufficient incentives, limited access for disadvantaged groups, and gender stereotypes.

Green skills and green technology are crucial for protecting the environment, conserving resources, and fostering a healthier world. Green skills, such as proper recycling, energy-efficient practices, and sustainable farming techniques, enable individuals and businesses to minimize their environmental impact. Green technology, like electric cars, solar panels, and low-flow water fixtures, provides innovative solutions to reduce pollution, generate renewable energy, and conserve water for a sustainable future. 

Recognizing the required criteria for green skills and technology in a country involves assessing its specific environmental challenges, resource availability, and economic goals. This process includes analyzing factors such as the country's natural resources, energy consumption patterns, and levels of pollution. For instance, a country with abundant sunlight might prioritize solar energy technology and develop green skills in solar panel installation and maintenance. 

Government policies and regulations play a critical role in identifying and promoting necessary green skills and technologies. Public and private sector initiatives, such as investment in green skills development projects focusing on sustainability, also help define these criteria. Collaboration with international organizations and adherence to global sustainability standards further guide countries in pinpointing and fostering the essential green skills and technologies needed to address their unique environmental and economic contexts.

The need to explore and ensure the interconnected approach of green practices is undeniable for a developing country like ours.  It can lead to economic growth, job creation, and environmental preservation, helping to address climate change and improve the quality of life for our people. Our readiness in preparing skilled workforces of green skills is not that of up to mark. 

Asian Development Bank supports the GoB to promote green practices in the skills development sector. Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), implemented by the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, advances green skills, technology and jobs exploring nine Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs). SICIP emphasizes green technical skills and practical training to create skilled workforces. It strengthens inclusivity, industry-academia linkages, access to advanced technology, sustainable construction and international certification align with green practices.

Hands-on workshops and real-world projects can provide practical experience, while partnerships with businesses and government agencies can offer internships and job placements in green sectors. Additionally, promoting awareness of the importance of sustainability and the benefits of green skills can motivate learners to embrace these practices. By embedding green skills and technologies into training programs, we can equip the workforce with the knowledge and abilities needed to support a sustainable economy.

Several countries excel in integrating green skills and technology for sustainability. Germany uses its dual education system for renewable energy and sustainable construction. Denmark focuses on wind energy with extensive educational programs. South Korea's Green New Deal aligns vocational education while Costa Rica emphasizes environmental education from primary to higher education. China leads solar energy and electric vehicles exploring green technology modules in vocational schools. 

Green skills and green technology are fundamental for sustainable development and economic growth. By integrating green practices into skills development ecosystem, we can foster an inclusive green economy that balances human progress with environmental preservation. To address these issues, Bangladesh should strengthen its efforts by leveraging initiatives like SICIP. This includes enhancing practical training, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and aligning educational programs with green practices.

We need to enact supportive policies and promote public-private partnerships to invest in green skills and technologies. Emphasizing sustainability in educational curricula and providing incentives for green job creation will ensure a workforce ready to tackle environmental challenges. By prioritizing these steps, Bangladesh can accelerate its transition to a green economy, ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its people towards decent employment.

The writer is a consultant at SICIP in Finance Division 



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