Climate Action is the Hot New Career: Consultancy, Communications, and Colleges Are All In

According to LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs On The Rise 2024’ report, ‘Sustainability Manager’ is one of the top 25 most sought-after roles in India.

As the global climate crisis continues to impact every sector, climate action has emerged as one of the most promising and rapidly growing career paths. In India, the career landscape is witnessing a profound shift towards sustainability, with new roles in environmental governance, climate consultancy, and climate science gaining significant traction. From corporate sustainability managers to climate finance analysts, opportunities abound for those seeking a career that combines purpose with cutting-edge innovation.

A New Wave of Climate Aspirants

One prime example of this shift is 20-year-old Sneha Chopra, whose journey into the world of climate action began with a simple observation—benches made from 100% recycled plastic by Zomato, as part of a sustainability campaign. Inspired by the concrete steps companies were taking towards environmental responsibility, Chopra is now pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Studies and Resource Management from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), aiming to work as a sustainability manager for a major corporation.

Sneha represents a growing number of students and young professionals turning towards careers in sustainability. According to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2024 report, "Sustainability Manager" is now one of the top 25 most in-demand roles in India. Climate change has woven itself into every aspect of modern industry, from Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consulting to climate science, and even renewable energy policy.

Sustainability Consulting Takes Center Stage

The need for sustainability and climate action has given rise to a new breed of consultancies specializing in ESG. Karantaj Singh, co-founder of Bengaluru-based Breathe ESG, has spent nearly a decade working in sustainability. His firm helps companies streamline environmental and sustainability management processes, providing solutions that help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and meet regulatory requirements.

As Singh emphasizes, “Being sustainable is no longer a choice for companies. Investors, customers, and international regulations now demand it.” With growing awareness and tighter regulations, even small firms are incorporating ESG principles into their business models. Leading global firms like KPMG and Deloitte have also expanded their environmental and sustainability services to meet the increasing demand for ESG reporting, climate risk modeling, and sustainable finance solutions.

Educational Institutions and Climate Careers

As the job market adapts to the climate wave, educational institutions are keeping pace by offering courses specifically tailored to the growing climate sector. Colleges are creating new programs in climate science and environmental management, catering to students eager to join this burgeoning field.

For instance, institutes like CEEW (Council on Energy, Environment, and Water) have grown significantly in recent years, employing hundreds of specialists in fields like renewable energy and water management. Climate aspirants like Amlan Bibhudutta, who started as a research consultant at CEEW, are now thriving in climate finance, where they help organizations transition to greener business models.

The Climate Economy: A Booming Sector

“Climate is the economy now,” says Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, reflecting the reality that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue. It affects the economy, governance, and global business operations. The World Economic Forum’s report, Mission 2070: A Green New Deal for a Net Zero India, estimates that India’s green transition could generate a $15 trillion economic opportunity by 2070. The shift towards a green economy is creating millions of new jobs, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimating around 54 million green jobs in India by 2030.

As Shrey Agarwal, founder of carbon-removal company Alt Carbon, aptly put it: “A few years ago, data science was all the rage. Now, India is going through the climate wave.”

Conclusion: The Future of Work Is Green

Climate action is no longer a niche career; it is rapidly becoming a mainstream and essential part of the global job market. From consultancy firms helping businesses adapt to sustainability standards to climate-focused roles in finance and policy, the opportunities are vast and varied. As companies, governments, and educational institutions invest more in sustainability, the future of work is undeniably green.

Whether you’re a student like Sneha Chopra or a seasoned professional like Karantaj Singh, the climate sector offers an exciting, impactful career path. As the world grapples with the ongoing climate crisis, those working in this field are not only ensuring their own professional growth but also playing a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.