Context
On July 17, 2024, Students Organising for Sustainability International (SOS International) launched the Green Skills and Green Jobs Youth Consultation report at the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative’s International Green Skills and Green Jobs for Youth Roundtable in New York. The report advocates for a broadening of the green jobs definition to encompass all roles that promote sustainability, beyond traditional sectors like manufacturing and renewable energy.
Key Findings from the Report
- Broadening Green Jobs Definition:
- African Perspectives: Green jobs include roles in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, focused on sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Asian Perspectives: Green jobs span urban planning, renewable energy, social entrepreneurship, marine science, and environmental engineering.
- European Perspectives: All professions should contribute to sustainable goals, with green skills involving problem-solving, innovation, and interdisciplinary thinking.
- North American Perspectives: Green jobs range from nature-based roles to climate activism, with green skills covering all aspects of sustainability.
- South American Perspectives: Emphasize both hard and soft skills related to ecological dynamics and social justice.
- Curriculum and Training Needs:
- Student Advocacy: Youth demand higher education systems to align with ecological realities and green economy needs. Academic programs should integrate sustainability and green skills across various disciplines, including STEM, arts, humanities, and indigenous knowledge systems.
- Practical Skills Gap:
- Curriculum Discrepancies: Despite increasing sustainability-focused modules, there remains a significant gap between academic curricula and market demands for practical green skills.
- Students’ Views: Green jobs should not only address emissions and pollution but also support ecosystem restoration, human health improvement, and climate adaptation.
- Quality and Remuneration Concerns:
- Wage Variability: Compensation for green jobs varies widely by sector, location, and expertise. While renewable energy roles often offer competitive salaries, positions in other areas like sustainable agriculture may pay less.
- Funding and Valuation: Many green jobs, especially in smaller organizations or non-profits, are underfunded and undervalued. There is concern that the term “green job” could become a buzzword rather than signify substantial, impactful roles.
Notable Voices
- Zamzam Ibrahim: Co-founder of SOS International, emphasized that higher education must reflect the planet’s needs and integrate green skills across various disciplines.
- Peter Kwasi Kodjie: Highlighted the need for universities to update curricula to prepare students for the green economy.
- Jacob Blasius: Supported the view that green jobs will become a fundamental part of the future workforce.
- Carolin Lemke: Pointed out the gap between academic training and market needs, stressing that green jobs are expected to rise but are currently undervalued.
Implications for Higher Education
The report calls for an overhaul in how universities approach sustainability education, advocating for:
- Integration of Green Skills: Across all academic disciplines and practical training.
- Enhanced Curriculum: Addressing both hard and soft skills necessary for green jobs.
- Global Cooperation: To better align higher education with sustainability goals and green job market demands.
The ongoing dialogue underscores the necessity for educational institutions to evolve and prepare students for a future where green jobs are integral to sustainable development.
