Human use of fossil fuels for energy is the main cause of the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. For hundreds of years, humans have been re-emitting carbon into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which are derived from carbon that is taken from plants.

What are green skills?

Green skills refer to a broad range of abilities, from environmental management and sustainability to renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. These skills play a pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints, promoting sustainable practices, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Green skills are extremely diverse and are not tethered to specific industries; they can be applied across various sectors, such as energy, transportation, construction, FMCG, artificial intelligence (AI) and more. Some well-known examples of green skills include -

• Sustainable transportation and infrastructure
• Green building and architecture
• Organic agriculture and food systems
• Renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Eco-friendly materials and waste management

The rise of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles have revolutionised the transportation & mobility sector, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based vehicles such as ICEVs and Hybrids. As most already know, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy with many aiming to become carbon negative, the demand for EVs is skyrocketing, creating new job opportunities for the immense population of the world and driving innovation to fuel much needed change. 

This is where green skills & EVs connect 

The needs for movement and electricity are satisfied by fossil fuels. There's a chance that if these devices run on renewable energy, the atmospheric concentration of CO2 will drop. Solar energy can be utilised to create hydrogen and can also be used to charge electric and hydrogen-powered automobiles. Right now, there isn't enough storage capacity to support major power generation, such as producing a lot of electricity from power plants. Thus, pumped hydro storage systems are the only feasible technique.

So, where do green skills fit in the EV sector? Their collaborative potential lies in every step of the EV lifecycle, from manufacturing to maintenance. Here are a few examples:

1. Sustainable Manufacturing: Green skills are essential for developing sustainable manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and minimising environmental impact.
2. Eco-Friendly Charging Infrastructure: Green skills are required to design and install EV charging stations, ensuring they're powered by renewable energy sources.
3. Eco-Friendly Charging Infrastructure: Green skills are required to design and install EV charging stations, ensuring they're powered by renewable energy sources.
4. Recycling and End-of-Life Management: Green skills are utilised for developing sustainable recycling processes and managing EV battery waste, minimising environmental damage.

The future of work

The intersection of green skills and EVs creates new relevant job opportunities and career paths. Individuals with green skills are certain to be in high demand, driving innovation and growth in the EV sector and every other sector in the realm of commerce and sustainable discovery. Some examples of green skill related jobs for those interested in reshaping the world through the EV industry include:

1. Sustainability Consultants: Experts who help companies develop sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact.
2. EV Technicians: Skilled workers who install, maintain, and repair EV charging infrastructure.
3. Energy Efficiency Specialists: Professionals who optimise EV energy consumption and develop energy-efficient charging solutions.
4. EV Environmental Impact Analyst: Those who conduct life cycle assessments and analyse environmental impacts of EVs, including carbon footprint, energy consumption, and resource depletion.
5. EV Battery Engineer: They design and develop sustainable battery technologies, including battery management systems, charging systems, and energy storage solutions.

Final thoughts

Green skills and electric vehicles are inextricably linked, facilitating the transition towards a sustainable future. As the demand for EVs grows, so does the need for workers with green skills. By investing in green skill development and EV adoption, we will be setting the stage perfectly for sustainability and an environmentally conscious population to be the norm and not the exception.