From Indore to Kochi, smaller cities are outpacing metros in green job growth, signaling a nationwide shift toward sustainability careers.
NATIONAL | July 24, 2025 – India’s green economy is experiencing unprecedented momentum, with green job interest surging 48% year-on-year, largely driven by Gen Z and Tier 2–3 cities, according to a new WeNaturalists Green Careers Report 2025.
Once a niche segment, green careers are now mainstream, with 63% of job seekers aged 21–30 actively pursuing sustainability-linked roles. Another 24% come from the 31–40 age group, showing that both young graduates and mid-career professionals are pivoting toward purpose-driven work.
> “Climate action is no longer limited to volunteering or weekend campaigns—it has evolved into a serious, structured career path,” said Amit Banka, Founder & CEO, WeNaturalists. “India now has the opportunity to build an inclusive green workforce that reflects both local aspirations and global sustainability goals.”
Tier 2 & 3 Cities Outpace Metros in Green Job Growth
While metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Kolkata still dominate in job listings and applicant volumes, smaller cities are emerging as green career powerhouses.
Tier 2–3 cities such as Indore, Ranchi, Kochi, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Thrissur, and Lucknow have recorded a 50% year-on-year rise in green job activity, outpacing the 12–19% growth seen in metros.
35% of India’s green job seekers now come from non-metro cities, up from just 25% three years ago.
States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Delhi NCR remain key hubs due to startup networks, progressive policies, and climate awareness, but Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh are seeing grassroots-level engagement that is reshaping India’s climate workforce.
Top Green Skills & Fastest-Growing Roles
The report highlights the most in-demand green career areas for 2025, including:
✅ Renewable energy engineering & solar energy systems
✅ Electric vehicle (EV) technology
✅ Waste management & recycling solutions
✅ Sustainability consulting & ESG analytics
✅ Climate data science & carbon management
✅ Green construction & hydrogen energy research
Digital skills like AI, IoT, GIS mapping, and carbon tracking technologies are also seeing rapid adoption. Employers are prioritizing certifications and field experience over traditional degrees, making green upskilling critical for long-term career growth.
Internship & Job Market Expansion
The green job market on WeNaturalists saw:
31% increase in job listings, rising from 965 to 1,326 active opportunities.
29% growth in structured internships, driven by NGO and government-led programs offering stipends and real-world impact projects in both urban and rural areas.
Beyond metros, cities like Indore, Jaipur, Ranchi, Coimbatore, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, and Madurai are emerging as vibrant green career hubs, attracting talent and employers alike.
India Poised for Global Green Workforce Leadership
According to national projections by the World Economic Forum and NLB Services, India’s green job demand is set to rise by 11% in 2025. WeNaturalists’ data not only supports this trend but reveals that talent readiness in non-metro regions is accelerating faster than expected.
This shift highlights the urgent need for climate-focused skilling, policy support, and career infrastructure to prepare India’s workforce for the growing climate economy. With millions of young Indians entering the job market in the coming years, aligning career development with sustainability-linked roles could position India as a global leader in green workforce innovation.
About WeNaturalists
WeNaturalists is a global platform connecting climate professionals, nature enthusiasts, and sustainability-driven organizations, enabling collaborative action, upskilling, and green career opportunities worldwide.
