How can green technology create new jobs and skills for the future of work?

Adding to the below, green technology also includes skills and practices of how to improve existing technologies and make them more sustainable and efficient manner, such as: * Sustainable Software Engineering: Knowledge of designing and developing software in a way that minimizes its environmental impact, including energy-efficient coding and sustainable IT practices. * Eco-friendly Web Design and Hosting: Knowledge in creating energy-efficient and sustainable web designs, as well as using green hosting services.

Green technology broadly refers to environment friendly technologies that reduces or avoids negative anthropogenic impacts. Here's my favourites: Renewable Energy - solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and tidal energy. Energy Efficiency - The best form of energy is the 'negawatt' - using less energy to perform the same tasks. Digitalisation and Optimisation - use ICT, analytics, and improved info connectivity to optimise processes (e.g., JIT transport ops with speeds optimised to reduce fuel use) Circular Applications - keep materials in use via closed-loop systems where waste from a process serves as input for another. Low-Carbon Materials - using materials with lower embodied carbon e.g., green or recycled steel & low-carbon concrete.

Green Tech, Climate Tech, or any synonym for the contribution to the fight against climate change through technology is the belief that, through an exponentially growing startup, we can solve many of the environmental problems we face today. Personally, I am a strong believer in this paradigm and have faith that it will eventually come to fruition.

Green hydrogen exemplifies green technology by utilizing renewable energy sources, like wind or solar power, to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. This process emits no greenhouse gases, offering a clean alternative for various industries, including transportation and energy storage. Green hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize sectors traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to global efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, its scalability and versatility make it a promising solution for achieving a sustainable energy future.

The transition to net-zero represents perhaps the biggest reallocation of funds in human history. We know that all sectors will need to change toward low carbon alternatives to address climate change - from electrification to green building materials and much more - entailing trillions of dollars in demand for green technologies. This will bring about hundreds of new green-tech unicorns and investors that fuel that growth at scale. Green technologies are on the rise and will increasingly represent a large part of the economy, impacting every part of society.

In the end, the word 'green' in 'green technology' is meant to describe a sustainable approach to technology and development. Today, 'green' has evolved to mean not just environmentally friendly, but also resourceful and efficient. This evolution reflects a growing understanding that our resources are finite and that our actions must be governed by mindfulness and foresight. Adopting green technology is crucial for the economy because it aligns with the principles of sustainability – utilizing resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

As part of the transition to a low-carbon economy, green technologies play a pivotal role, in multiplying the impact of efforts to protect the environment and improve energy management practices, including those within hard-to-abate transportation sectors such as aviation and shipping. As part of this transition, there is increasing demand for green skills and technology savviness to support pivotal areas, requiring professionals with the relevant green skills to play central roles in charting and optimising transportation routes, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and undertaking the long-term transformation of equipment and vehicle fleets to transit them towards greener alternatives.

GreenTech is indeed revolutionizing new industries, from energy to agriculture, creating jobs that blend tech know-how with eco-awareness. By turning away from fossil fuels to embrace clean energy and smart resource management, green technology is building a path to a sustainable future where progress and environmental care go hand in hand.

Green technology is vital for the economy as it fosters innovation, drives job creation, and promotes sustainable growth. Investments in green technology spur research and development, leading to the creation of new industries and markets. Moreover, it reduces dependency on finite resources and mitigates environmental risks, enhancing long-term economic resilience. Additionally, transitioning to green technologies can reduce operational costs for businesses and stimulate economic activity through increased efficiency and productivity.

Renewable energy opens the opportunity to generate new industries based on new technologies (solar panels, electrolyzers, fuel cells, new chemsitry batteries) but allows to old companies to convert their businesses to green markets. For instance, compressors, power electronics, steels and metals or other raw materials are "old" technologies that will take advantage of this change.

Emerging green jobs extend beyond new roles to 'greening' existing ones, enabling anyone to contribute to environmental sustainability without a career shift. This approach typically requires some green skills, blending a sustainability mindset with practical actions. For example, IT professionals can adopt energy-efficient practices, marketers can emphasize eco-friendly products, and managers can implement sustainable policies in the workplace. These green skills involve more than technical know-how; they represent a commitment to environmentally conscious decisions and actions in everyday work life, embodying a shift towards a more sustainable professional world.

The idea of green jobs is not novel per se - the International Labour Organisation defines them as jobs in any sector which contribute to environmental outcomes - including energy efficiency, water and also emerging areas such as climate mitigation & adaptation. Some roles which fit here include: Corporate sustainability: company-based, perform general sustainability work, including sustainability reporting and meeting regulatory requirements. Decarbonization / green tech: focus on long-term GHG reduction plans, including on decarbonisation projects such as renewable energy. Climate analysts: who focus on the risks associated with climate change. They are often also data-focused professionals responsible for the number crunching.

Green skills go further than the skills applied to green jobs - they are also a set of competencies and knowledge that will soon be required cross-function and cross-economy. Green workers are currently educating co-workers across any role. That’s because entire organizations and sectors have to get up to speed on the green transition.

Green Technology Developers, are individuals involved in innovating and researching new technologies to address environmental challenges. Green Technology Developers play a crucial role in advancing solutions that contribute to environmental preservation and sustainable development e.g. Creating innovative solutions for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, industries, transportation, and appliances contributes to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprints. Their work reduces emissions, conserves resources, and minimizes pollution, promoting sustainability. These innovations create jobs, drive economic growth, and enhance competitiveness by fostering innovation, cost savings, and opening new markets.

To keep pace with the rapid emergence of new and better green practices and technologies, continuous learning is crucial. Active networking and staying updated through podcasts, webinars, and online communities, are vital for gaining insights into evolving trends and new best practices. Participations in projects to apply and refine ones skills in real-world scenarios are always a good idea. Platforms like terra.do are a great place to learn more about climate in particular, but also to explore green career pathways.

Linkedin users are already connected to a social media platform that grants access to quality contents tailored to specific interest areas, including green skills. High-quality training and knowledge are abundantly available, and green skills-related content can often be accessed for free in exchange for clicks and followership (key aspect of platforms like LinkedIn). Formal learning opportunities are aplenty, from open platforms like edX to multi-year degree courses. Consider paid courses that focus on specific sustainability areas, such as those offered by OnePointFive, Terra.do, Voiz, etc. These courses provide curated, relevant, and up-to-date curriculum that helps sustainability professionals to address specific career needs.

I believe everyone should have a basic understanding of the planet’s health. After that, I think gaining knowledge in ethics is equally important. Finally, add any skill you want, like in my case: being a digital product designer. There you have the ideal combination to create value through opportunities that contribute to the fight against climate change.

One way to demonstrate your green skills is to showcase your previous work and highlight your contribution to it. For example, completed renewable energy installations and published sustainability reports. Another way is to provide evidence of attained credentials. For example, degree or certificate courses that lead to the attainment of specific skillsets or knowledge bases. For these claims to be credible, I recommend two criteria: Firstly, the course must be sufficiently rigorous, requiring at least 80-100 hours of study and an assessment of sorts. Secondly, there should be documentation to prove the attainment of the green skills. It’s better if there is a digital certification via a validation portal, such as OpenCerts or Credly.

Adding to the already mentioned: To further showcase your green skills and green 'mindset', consider engaging in relevant forums and discussions, demonstrating thought leadership in the field. You can share your experiences and insights in applying green practices by writing or talking about them and sharing them via your favorite platform - choose the medium that works for you (LinkedIn, Medium, Youtube, ....). Your perspective can inspire and educate others, showcasing not just your skills but also your commitment to sustainability.

You can showcase your green skills to employers and clients by highlighting relevant experiences, certifications, and projects related to sustainability. Incorporate keywords and achievements related to environmental initiatives on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio. Additionally, participate in green industry events, workshops, or volunteer opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. Providing case studies or testimonials showcasing your contributions to green projects can also effectively communicate your expertise to potential employers and clients.