This year’s recently observed International Youth Day highlights the need for green skills to create a sustainable future Krupa Mayur Pednekar Currently, half of the world’s population is 30 years old or younger. This percentage is projected to rise to 57% by 2030, marking the largest generation of young people in history. This year’s International Youth Day emphasised the importance of developing green skills among youth to ensure a just transition to a greener, more sustainable world where everyone benefits equally.
Sustainability is integrated in our society through various initiatives such as green campaigns, marathons, and the promotion of organic products. However, sustainability is not merely a luxury but a necessity. Using green practices in our daily actions and decisions is crucial.
To make informed choices, we need a deeper understanding of green skills. Our focus should be on building a workforce with a foundation in green skills, alongside the Skill India mission. Organisations and businesses must prioritise these skills, as changing habits can be challenging.
Systematic planning is necessary to effectively harness these skills, and the results will be realised faster. Institutions should reward employees based on their green performance rather than solely on target achievements. Observing our ancestors’ sustainable practices highlights their commitment to environmental care, which we may have overlooked or dismissed as outdated.
Today, adopting sustainable lifestyles is important for our well-being. Sustainability is woven into our culture through festivals and practices. For instance, during Nag Panchami, we worship and prepare delicacies to show gratitude to nature.
During Chaturthi, mud idols and wild vegetables are used in decorations, connecting us with nature and keeping us grounded. Living sustainably is important to me. I avoid wasting food, minimise utensil use, and turn off unnecessary power.
It’s heart-warming to see my four-and-a-half-year-old daughter picking up these habits and reminding me to conserve resources. (The writer is an assistant professor in the Department of Management Studies (MBA) at AITD, Assagao.
