Green Jobs หรือ งานสีเขียว โอกาสใหม่สำหรับคนที่สนใจทำงานในเรื่องที่เกี่ยวกับความยั่งยืน ถือเป็นสายอาชีพที่Green Jobs or Green Work are new opportunities for people interested in working in matters related to sustainability. It is a career that is on the rise and there is now a great demand for personnel to fill this career all over the world. So for anyone who is looking for a new career path or anyone who wants to go out and find challenging work abroad, Green Jobs or Green Work is one of the options in this era.
“Discover new opportunities in sustainable careers.”
Green Jobs refer to employment in sectors that contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality and sustainability. These jobs focus on addressing environmental challenges, reducing resource use, promoting clean energy sources, and implementing sustainable practices across industries.
Today, green jobs can be found in various sectors, such as jobs related to the use of renewable energy, jobs to increase or improve energy efficiency, jobs in waste management, sustainable agriculture, green construction, environmental consulting, and more.
“Green economy, green jobs, rapid growth”
Referring to statistical data related to the job market and demand for green jobs in 2021, it was found that:
- Renewable Energy Jobs : The renewable energy sector is a major source of green jobs worldwide. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), there will be a global demand for 12 million renewable energy jobs in 2020, representing a 5.6% increase compared to 2019, and the demand is set to continue to rise year on year.
- Solar Photovoltaic Industry : The photovoltaic (PV) sector is experiencing significant job growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that employment in the solar PV industry increased by 18% globally in 2020, with an estimated 3.8 million jobs created. Asia, particularly China, remains the dominant player in the solar job market, and the demand for professionals is expected to continue to increase year on year.
- Wind Energy Jobs : The wind energy sector is experiencing significant employment growth. According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the wind energy industry employed more than 1.2 million people worldwide in 2020, a 3.3% increase compared to 2019, and is set to continue growing.
- Energy Efficiency : Energy efficiency is a key area for green job opportunities. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that in 2020, around 11.5 million people will be employed globally in energy efficiency-related occupations, including in building insulation, efficient lighting and industrial energy management.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Clean Transport : The shift to EVs and clean transport is creating job opportunities. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that by 2030 the EV market could create up to 10 million additional jobs worldwide.
- Green Construction : The green construction sector continues to grow. The U.S. Green Building Council ( USGBC ) reports that by 2021, the green building industry in the United States alone is expected to create approximately 3.3 million jobs. There is still a need for people in this field here in our country and in this region as well, because large-scale construction refers to green building as a standard.
- Sustainable Agriculture : The demand for sustainable and organic farming is growing. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the agriculture sector has the potential to create millions of green jobs worldwide by shifting to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
- Circular Economy and Waste Management : The transition to a circular economy and better waste management practices can create job opportunities. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that the circular economy could create 18 million additional jobs worldwide by 2030.
As you can see, even though the data is statistical data based on data available up to 2020-2021, given the demand for personnel in this field, it is really interesting.
If we want to start with green work, what basic skills do we need?
Green jobs are considered careers that require a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. While the specific skills required can vary by industry or job role, here are some of the basic skills that are often looked for in green jobs.
- Environmental Knowledge: A thorough understanding of environmental principles, sustainability concepts and the impact of human activities on the environment is essential. This includes knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, natural resource management, pollution control and environmental regulations.
- Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies : Familiarity with renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal is invaluable. Understanding the basics of clean technologies, energy efficiency, energy storage systems, and smart grids is also important.
- Data Analysis and Research Skills : Strong analytical skills are required to evaluate and interpret data related to environmental performance, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and other sustainability indicators. Proficiency in data analysis tools and software will be beneficial.
- Project Management : Green jobs often involve managing sustainability projects, implementing environmental initiatives, or overseeing energy-saving projects. Project management skills, including planning, organization, resource allocation, and coordination, are invaluable in the successful execution of projects.
- Environmental Assessment and Compliance : Knowledge of environmental assessment methods and compliance regulations is essential. Understanding how to conduct environmental impact assessments, conduct audits and ensure compliance with local, regional and international environmental standards is highly relevant.
- Sustainability Reporting and Metrics : Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is essential. Understanding key sustainability metrics, data collection, and reporting processes is helpful in tracking and communicating environmental performance.
- Communication and Stakeholder Engagement : Strong communication skills are essential for green work. The ability to effectively convey complex environmental information, engage stakeholders, and communicate sustainability goals and initiatives to a wide range of audiences is invaluable. This includes writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking : Green jobs often involve identifying and addressing complex environmental challenges. The ability to analyze problems, think critically, and develop innovative and sustainable solutions is highly valued.
- Regulatory Knowledge : It is important to understand local, national and international environmental regulations, policies and standards. This includes knowledge of environmental impact assessment regulations, renewable energy incentives, emission standards and waste management regulations.
- Collaboration and Teamwork : Green work often requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and community members. The ability to work effectively in teams, foster collaboration, and build partnerships is essential for implementing sustainable solutions.
Conclusion
The skills mentioned above do not actually need to be studied as a degree. Nowadays, there is a lot of good knowledge to search for and learn online. But you have to choose to look from certified and reliable sources. For example, https://www.coursera.org/ is a learning resource with content about the skills needed for green jobs, which has been recognized by many organizations.
But if you have time and a little budget, taking courses or some topics as a degree can help us gain a deeper understanding and get more networking with people working in this industry and field. For example, https://ait.ac.th/academics/programs/ is a master’s and doctoral degree program with interesting and relevant programs such as Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Development and Sustainability, or Environmental Engineering and Management. And here they also have scholarships for those interested in studying in these fields. Try to find more information.
“Let green work be another option for our career.”
