Decoding how a climate career in India looks like

The potential for any job to adopt a "green" dimension lies in its capacity to provide a decent living while actively contributing to the restoration of the ecosystem

The scope of careers related to climate in India is rapidly expanding, driven by the urgent need to address climate change and its profound impact on the environment, economy and society.

As the world's most populous nation and a growing global economic player, India plays a pivotal role in the fight against climate change. The country faces a unique set of climate challenges from extreme weather events to water scarcity and air pollution, which creates a high demand for skilled professionals dedicated to climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainability.

But what does a career in climate look like? What kind of job profiles are most popular and, more importantly, how much do they pay?

Whether it's in the field of renewable energy, environmental policy, sustainable agriculture or climate research, individuals pursuing climate careers in India have a significant opportunity to make a positive impact while contributing to a greener and more resilient future for the nation and indeed, the planet.

Active talent

The good news is that industry experts say “green jobs” are not confined to particular sectors; they encompass traditional domains like manufacturing and construction, alongside emerging fields such as renewables, water conservation and waste management.

The potential for any job to adopt a "green" dimension lies in its capacity to provide a decent living while actively contributing to the restoration of the ecosystem, according to Sekhar Garisa, CEO of job portal Foundit.

In India, 23 percent of the workforce is directly or indirectly involved in green jobs, according to Foundit data. From January to September 2022, the job portal recorded a substantial 32 percent growth in green jobs. Remarkably, there has been an exceptional growth of 217 percent of such jobs since December 2021.

Oil and gas, energy, power and infrastructure are sectors that have experienced tremendous growth in hiring green talent since last year.

What about jobs in ESG?

ESG or environmental, social and governance is a framework used to evaluate the sustainability and ethical practices of a company or organisation.

In India, as in many other parts of the world, ESG has gained significant prominence and stakeholders increasingly recognise the importance of environmental and social responsibility and strong corporate governance.

There are over 39,000 active professionals, who can be deemed part of the ESG function as a collective. This talent pool has moved up by 8 percent accounting for 36,000 total professionals since January 2023, according to specialist staffing firm Xpheno.

Active talent as a collective comes from over 20 related roles and functions across adjacent functions and clusters, said Kamal Karanth, co-founder of Xpheno. He added that these specialists are experienced in ESG functions across multiple industry sectors and verticals. As a relatively newer specialisation, ESG allows and accepts adjacent skill sets to be considered for more than one active opening in the ESG space.

Popular job profiles

"Green talent" in the context of India refers to individuals, who possess specialised skills, knowledge and expertise in environmental sustainability, renewable energy, climate change mitigation and related fields.

These individuals are dedicated to promoting and implementing eco-friendly practices, policies and technologies to address environmental challenges and reduce the environmental footprint of businesses, organisations and society as a whole.

From talent solution provider CareerNet’s internal job postings, job search portals and company websites, it has been observed that around 15 percent of job postings now ask for green skills in India. Green job opportunities in September 2023 saw a 23 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth.

It is important to note that there are over 3.5 lakh open positions requiring these skills across industries now.

Pay packages

The salary package for professionals in the "green talent" or sustainability-related fields in India can vary widely depending on factors such as the specific job role, industry, location, level of experience and the organisation's size and reputation.

However, with the prevalent scarcity of such talent, organisations are paying a premium to both freshers and experienced candidates.

According to Neelabh Shukla, chief business officer of Careernet, candidates can expect an average minimum salary of Rs 7 lakh per annum (LPA) for a fresher. For mid to senior roles, one can expect a salary in the starting range of Rs 13.5 LPA.

Advice to prospective green talent

Embarking on a career in green jobs represents a significant opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. To excel in this sector, it is essential to approach your career journey with dedication and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Begin by educating yourself and building expertise in your chosen field, whether it's renewable energy, environmental conservation, sustainability consulting or any other related area. Acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills through education and continuous learning is the foundation on which you can build a successful green career.

Candidates need to stay informed about environmental regulations and policies at various levels of government. Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial, especially if your career involves compliance or advocacy work.

“Given the expansive nature of the field, individuals can navigate diverse roles to discover where their skills and passion converge best — be it in policy advocacy, project management, technology or research,” Foundit’s Garisa said.