Climate Change Disruptions Stall India's Green Transition, Demand Climate Education

As of November 15, 2025, India faces a concerning reality where climate-induced disruptions are hindering economic growth, and a lack of skilled workers is stalling the nation's green transition. Last year, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) warned that more than 70% of all workers worldwide are at risk of exposure to excessive heat, and India alone lost an estimated $100 billion from heat-induced productivity losses.

However, this challenge also presents a significant opportunity. India's green job market is booming, with demand seeing a 20-30% annual growth and projections exceeding earlier estimates. The country, with its burgeoning renewable energy sector, ambitious sustainability goals, and young demographic, stands to be a major beneficiary of this green jobs boom. Yet, climate-related careers remain underrepresented, despite the green economy being expected to generate 7.29 million jobs by FY28 and a staggering 35 million jobs by 2047.

To bridge this gap, climate literacy must become a strategic skill set. India needs a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive innovation, develop sustainable solutions, and manage the transition to a low-carbon economy. This requires strong partnerships between educational institutions, government bodies, industry leaders, and research organizations. Encouragingly, policy and institutional landscapes are already shifting, with education policies emphasizing environmental consciousness and sustainable development.