How industrial decarbonization is reshaping the the future of green jobs

Industrial decarbonization is at a critical juncture, where future technological advancements and the implementation of sustainability mandates are expected.

- PRAANJALAGARWAL

Climate change is reshaping the industries, and so is the demand for green jobs, careers focused on sustainability, climate action, environmental protection and renewable energy. This workforce transformation is essential in working towards climate action, mitigating climate adversities and supporting the global transition. The push to decarbonise heavy industries is doing more than reducing emissions; it is remaking the workforce market. From steelworks to cement manufacturing and chemical production, the technical and managerial transformations required for deep decarbonization are creating new roles, shifting the required skill sets, and demanding large-scale upskilling of the entire workforce. The result is a rapidly expanding category of green jobs that sit at the intersection of engineering, data science, systems thinking and policy.

Industrial decarbonization is not a single technology switch; it requires a plethora of interventions. Electrification of processes, conventional fuel switching to low carbon hydrogen, energy efficient machinery, redesigning processes, life cycle assessments, deployment of carbon capture, utilisation and storage, each of them requires specialised labour. Along with these, digital tools are equally necessary for process control, digital twins, and Al-based predictive maintenance, which enhance efficiencies and reduce carbon intensities. Together, these changes create demand for multidisciplinary professionals who understand the science behind the industrial processes and the emerging technologies that optimise them.