— (P. GopalaKrishnan is managing director, Southeast Asia and Middle East, of Green Business Certification Inc, USA)

Net-zero education necessitates weaving environmental sustainability into K-12 curricula. However, climate literacy is noticeably absent as a core subject in mainstream education

India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions targets by 2070 is a significant milestone towards addressing climate change. However, reliance upon industry and technology shifts won’t be enough. We also require a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens to serve as catalysts in making the national transition to a net zero world. This can only happen through education transformation. India urgently needs to integrate net-zero principles into the education system to empower youth to create sustainable change in all sectors of the economy.

Net-zero education necessitates weaving environmental awareness and sustainability into K-12 curricula. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends this should be done through experiential and skill-based learning. However, despite the NEP mandate, climate literacy is noticeably absent as a core subject in mainstream education. Therefore, there is urgent need for focused interventions to cultivate a young generation well-versed in the nuances of environmental challenges and solutions.

A 2022 Unesco report indicated that 27 percent of respondents worldwide cannot explain climate change, showcasing urgent need for reorientation of education systems globally. We can look towards Finland, where sustainability is included in all tiers of education, and adapt its practices to our socio-economic realities. Finland’s approach is to ensure all students are equipped with knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges aligned with that tiny country’s (pop.5 million) socio-economic context. A scaled up version of Finland’s education system adapted to India’s diverse education and cultural ecosystem offers a basic model.

On the practical front, it’s important to note that the transition to a green economy offers numerous opportunities for employment in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable construction, and waste management. By 2070, more than 50 million green jobs are expected to be available in India. The Green Skills Development Programme (GSDP) introduced by the Union ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, is likely to play a pivotal role in preparing students for these emerging opportunities. It focuses on equipping individuals with specialised skills in areas such as solar panel installation, green building design, and sustainable urban planning, skills that are integral to India’s net-zero and sustainability goals.

The first option available to education leaders to contribute towards the all-important net-zero carbon emissions target, is to lead by example and establish net-zero campuses. These eco-systems are designed to reduce carbon footprints through developing renewable energy sources, constructing energy-efficient buildings, and designing environment-friendly management systems.

By learning how to manage solar panels, rainwater harvesting units, and energy monitoring tools, students can deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship and develop practical skills to prepare for green careers. Such experiential learning complements theoretical education to prepare a generation well-versed in sustainability principles.

Some education institutions in India provide good models. Among them: Amity University, Haryana’s entire campus is a leader in operations and maintenance and equipped with a LEED certified laboratory providing students theoretical and practical knowledge on green building construction and practices. Similarly, Nitte Institute of Architecture, Mangaluru, which has signed up for a programme for higher education institutions. Ditto, Vivekananda Education Society, Mumbai and SRM University, Chennai.

If the net-zero campus model is also followed by schools and colleges across India, the 2070 net-zero emissions target is certain to be achieved. With over 1.5 million schools, 45,000 colleges and 1,193 universities in the country, this approach can significantly influence community behaviour and resolve India’s pollution crisis.

Inevitably, scaling net-zero education initiatives require robust policy and fiscal support. Union Budget 2024-25 allocated Rs.3,330.37 crore ($400 million) for climate action, a portion of which should be allocated for sustainability education. Recommended action to achieve this includes introducing the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) for primary and secondary education and subsidisation of schools adopting renewable energy solutions and green infrastructure. Moreover private-public partnerships could address resource gaps.

Integrating net-zero principles into education at all levels represents a significant economic opportunity for India. By embedding sustainability goals into curricula, creating net-zero campuses, and encouraging community engagement, India can prepare its youth for transition towards a green economy. This necessitates coordinated efforts from educators, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders. With right strategies and investments, education can serve as the cornerstone of India’s progress towards achieving its net-zero objectives while simultaneously generating millions of jobs.