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Fashion Value Chain
a day ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Future-Proof Your Career: Essential Skills for a Successful Journey in Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a critical focus area across industries, offering meaningful and future-ready career opportunities. With the sustainability sector expanding rapidly, professionals must equip themselves with a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills to stay competitive and effective in this dynamic field. Enrolling in a sustainability course is a smart move, but understanding the skills required will help you make the most of it. What Does a Career in Sustainability Involve? At its core, sustainability involves maintaining or improving the quality of life for current and future generations without depleting natural resources. Careers in this field focus on ecological balance, social equity, and responsible economic practices. Sustainability roles span across industries, including: Corporate roles (ESG analysts, sustainability officers, DEI managers) (ESG analysts, sustainability officers, DEI managers) Environmental science (climate analysts, environmental engineers) (climate analysts, environmental engineers) Resource management (forestry, fisheries, water resources) (forestry, fisheries, water resources) Communication (public outreach and advocacy) (public outreach and advocacy) Energy and technology (renewable energy analysts, decarbonisation experts) These roles often require a bachelor's degree at minimum, though leadership positions may demand advanced certifications or postgraduate education. As demand rises—fueled by global climate commitments and the retirement of experienced professionals—there are increasing opportunities for new entrants to grow into impactful roles. Core Skills Required for a Sustainability Career To thrive in sustainability, professionals must combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Here's a breakdown of the key competencies: 1. Environmental Literacy and Technical Knowledge Understanding environmental systems, ecological balance, and sustainability frameworks is essential. Knowledge of tools like Life Cycle Assessments and Carbon Footprint Analysis is increasingly in demand. Many sustainability courses include these components, providing hands-on training in data interpretation and compliance frameworks. 2. Data Analysis and Digital Tools As organisations adopt data-driven approaches to sustainability, familiarity with analytics tools becomes crucial. Skills in platforms such as Excel, Python, R, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help in modelling environmental impacts and improving operational decisions. 3. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Being able to translate complex sustainability issues into clear, actionable messages is vital. Whether you're talking to policymakers, executives, or community members, effective verbal and written communication makes all the difference. 4. Adaptability and Resilience Environmental work often involves challenging field conditions or evolving regulations. Your ability to adapt, stay composed, and maintain productivity under uncertain or stressful conditions is critical. 5. Problem-Solving and Innovation Sustainability issues are often complex and systemic. Employers look for candidates who can approach these challenges with creativity and structured thinking to deliver innovative, long-term solutions. 6. Leadership and Collaboration As sustainability efforts expand across departments, professionals must lead change, mentor others, and drive collaboration. Many sustainability management courses now include leadership development modules to foster these skills. Summary of Key Skills: Hard skills: Environmental literacy, data analysis, compliance knowledge Environmental literacy, data analysis, compliance knowledge Soft skills: Communication, adaptability, leadership, critical thinking How to Develop These Skills Building a successful sustainability skillset requires a balanced mix of education and practical experience. Formal Education Sustainability courses—especially those focused on management—offer structured learning around environmental policy, regulatory frameworks, and operational sustainability. Programmes often include industry-relevant case studies, group projects, and exposure to real-world scenarios. Certifications such as LEED or those from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) can further validate your expertise. Practical Experience Internships, volunteering, and capstone projects provide hands-on learning and help you apply theoretical knowledge. Creating sustainability initiatives at your current workplace—like waste audits or energy-saving programmes—also adds practical experience while demonstrating your proactive mindset. Networking and Mentorship Connecting with professionals in the sustainability sector accelerates your growth. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and engage with professional associations. Finding a mentor can open doors to insights, feedback, and career opportunities you might not access otherwise. Online Learning Supplement your formal education with free or low-cost courses from platforms like the SDG Academy or Project Drawdown. These cover focused topics such as climate action, the circular economy, and biodiversity. The Road Ahead A career in sustainability is both personally fulfilling and socially impactful. Whether you're focused on conserving ecosystems, influencing corporate strategy, or advocating for policy change, your efforts contribute directly to building a better future. Sustainability professionals stand out by mastering a dual skillset: deep technical understanding and the human-centric ability to lead, influence, and adapt. The journey involves continuous learning, but the reward is a resilient career with the power to make lasting change. As you plan your next steps, assess your current strengths and gaps. Which sustainability skills do you already have? Which ones do you need to develop? Whether through a dedicated sustainability management course, hands-on experience, or mentorship, your commitment to growth will define your success. In the end, sustainability careers are not just about employment—they're about empowerment. With the right skills, you'll not only future-proof your career but also help build a more sustainable world for everyone.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Greener side of Bastar as forest cover increases
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, in recent years, has been making headlines for Maoist-related campaigns involving security forces. At the same time, the extensive area has also witnessed the Chhattisgarh forest department's diligent engagement in achieving a remarkable feat of improving the forest cover density, reinforcing the region's reputation as a thriving green landscape. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), published by the Forest Survey of India in Dehradun, reflects the results of these consistent efforts, including the utilisation of a satellite-based sensor with a spatial resolution of 23.5 metres. The report highlighted a significant enhancement in forest cover across multiple regions of the Bastar zone—an area larger than the state of Kerala and boasting several tourist attractions and sightseeing spots. With the acknowledged commitment to sustainable forest management and associated conservation initiatives in recent years, the forest department has undertaken various measures to enhance forest cover, thereby strengthening the green footprint. The progress in forest cover density is attributed to multiple factors, including continuous monitoring by the forest department, an effective soil and water conservation programme, removal of invasive weed species and community-led afforestation initiatives, as well as the deep-rooted environmental ethos of Bastar's tribal communities. 'The inspired vision of the Chhattisgarh government gave a boost to the state forest department's proactive and scientific approach that yielded impressive conservation results. The ISFR 2023 data reaffirms the state's commitment to sustainable forest where strategic interventions and active community participation has yielded a major boost on augmenting the forest cover', V Sreenivasa Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, told this newspaper. Several areas in Bastar have shown an upward transition in forest classification. Notable improvements are seen in Jagdalpur Circle — covering forest divisions of Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada and Kanker Circle that includes Keshkal, Bhanupratapur, south Kondagaon and Narayanpur forest divisions', a senior officer elucidated quoting the ISFR report. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis confirmed that approximately 152 sq km of forest area have transitioned from Moderate Dense Forest to Very Dense Forest. Additionally, 93 sq km of land have improved from non-forest to open forest, while 156 sq km have progressed from open forest to moderate dense forest.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Green job demand in India sees 20–30% annual growth; Tier II/III cities to host up to 40% roles
New Delhi: India's green economy is expected to generate 7.29 million jobs by FY28 and about 35 million jobs by 2047, according to industry estimates. The projections come as the country moves toward a green economy valued at USD 1 trillion by 2030 and USD 15 trillion by 2070. The latest employment outlook for the green sector exceeds earlier projections made in 2024, which had estimated a 15–20 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for green jobs over the next 10 years. Companies are modifying their workforce strategies by prioritising skill-based hiring and practical green competencies over traditional qualifications. They are also forming partnerships with academic institutions to equip the youth with sustainability-related skills and investing in inclusive hiring and re-skilling initiatives. Major job creation is expected in renewable energy, waste management, electric vehicles, sustainable textiles, and green construction sectors. The growth is expected across urban and peri-urban regions. While cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi continue to attract aspirants for green jobs, Tier II and III cities including Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, and Chandigarh are emerging as important centres. These cities are projected to account for 35–40 per cent of the 7.29 million jobs by FY28. Job roles in the green sector are expanding beyond traditional segments. Demand for roles such as ESG analysts, green tech experts, and climate data analysts has increased compared to last year and is projected to grow by 20–30 per cent annually. Hybrid roles that combine sustainability expertise with digital proficiency are expected to see a 4–6 times rise in demand. ESG analyst roles are projected to grow by 13–20 times. Green technology is also being influenced by innovations in precision farming, smart irrigation, and AI-based climate modelling. New roles are being created in sustainable agriculture and clean technology through blockchain traceability systems. Professionals with expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote monitoring systems, and lifecycle assessment tools are in demand. The average salary across profiles in the green sector has increased by 20.3 per cent over the past one to two years. Salaries in Tier I cities can be up to 50 per cent higher than in Tier II cities, driven by the cost of living differences. Currently, women account for 11–12 per cent of green jobs in India. This is attributed to unequal access to technical education, workplace safety concerns, and cultural barriers. Organisations are adopting inclusive hiring practices and supporting women-focused skill development programmes. These initiatives are expected to improve gender parity by 12–15 per cent over the next 5–6 years. Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, said, 'In the past 4–5 years, we've seen green jobs evolve from niche roles to mainstream opportunities across renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable infrastructure. What's changed pragmatically is the skillsets. Today's green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency, and the increased integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools are laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers.'>
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ghaziabad: ‘Drafting errors' disposed of in Master Plan 2031
The Ghaziabad development authority (GDA) on Friday disposed of public objections to several 'drafting errors' in the draft Master Plan 2031, officials said, adding that the final draft will be put up before the GDA board and sent to the Uttar Pradesh government for final approval. In April, the authority had invited public objections over some drafting errors that had crept into the draft master plan. The officials said that they received only two objections in this regard. 'On the day of disposal of objections, one applicant did not arrive, while the second objection was found not related to the Master Plan. So, the disposal process was closed, and the amended plan will now be put up before GDA board in the next upcoming meeting. Then it will be sent to the state government for final approval. As of now, no further changes are needed in the finalised draft plan,' said Rudresh Shukla, media coordinator of GDA. A master plan is a broad layout of a city, clearly laying out different areas according to land use such as for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. 'The drafting errors crept in when the draft plan generated in a software was superimposed over the GIS (Geographic Information Systems)-based images. It led to certain errors. So, on directions of the state-level committee, the authority invited public objections,' Shukla added. The draft Master Plan 2031 will replace the 2021 plan prepared in 2004-05. The 2031 plan is an integrated Master Plan for Ghaziabad city, Loni, and Modinagar/Muradnagar. In the current Master Plan 2021, the GDA jurisdiction area has 15,554 hectares of land for development. Under the draft Master Plan 2031, the authority has proposed 60,282.12 hectares as its development area.
