Green Finance Is The Way Forward For Energy Transition, Realising SDGs

Bengal, Kolkata more so, may soon become the grooming ground for sustainability professionals for organisations across the world, if things go according to plans. Manchester -based Economy Solution Group, a leading research-based consulting firm, is working on a joint initiative with two Kolkata-based organisations-EEMP and Energy Ensemble to design, develop and run a special curriculum to prepare professionals who would make the transition to net zero smooth and proper. This was the key takeaway from a round table on “Clean Energy-Circular Economy Nexus: The Way Forward”, organised in Kolkata by Energy Ensemble, EEMP and CWBTA. This assumes significance give the rising demand for sustainability managers, fuelled by growing awareness about environmental issues and increasing corporate focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a substantial increase in "green jobs" and a growing need for skilled professionals in this field. India alone is projected to have 30 million green jobs in the next 25 years, highlighting the significant expansion of opportunities in sustainability space. The report adds that the global demand for sustainability skills is growing.

LinkedIn has reported a significant increase in job postings requiring such specialised skills. The demand for Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs), ESG officers, and experts in sustainable supply chains and operations is increasing. Besides, sustainability is no longer just a niche field; it is getting integrated into various roles and industries, with companies seeking professionals with a range of skills, including environmental finance, energy management, and sustainable procurement. As a development, companies in industries like renewable energy, electric vehicles, green finance, and sustainable waste management are actively seeking sustainability professionals. The government regulations and policies related to environmental protection and sustainability are also contributing to the demand for sustainability professionals. Besides education and training, the British and Kolkata-based organisations would also take up joint studies and research projects to come up with data points, statistics to identify the gaps in this space. Interestingly, in the face of escalating climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the integration of clean energy systems with circular economy principles offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable development. The Clean Energy–Circular Economy Nexus emphasises the synergy between renewable energy solutions and closed-loop resource utilisation.

While clean energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, circular economy models minimise waste and extend the lifecycle of materials through reuse, recycling, and sustainable design. Together, they create a resilient, low-carbon economy that decouples growth from environmental harm. A study explores how aligning these two powerful concepts can pave the way forward for green innovation, economic resilience, and global climate goals. All sectors and people from different fields should work towards environmental security, economic growth and social welfare and circular economy should lead us to that goal. One should not forget that green finance investments are promoted and proportionated by the need for clean energy. Various studies exhibit the need to design a comprehensive policy for strengthening environmental responsibility and green finance through the funding of green technology to successful energy transition and sustainable development goals. The nexus of environmental responsibility, green technology, clean energy and green finance is a step forward on sustainability.