People who are invested in the concept of sustainability are more or less aware of circular economy model. India’s shift to circular economy model holds extensive potential to develop circular jobs that eventually drive sustainable economic growth. Taking into account a report by the World Economic Forum, up to 50 million jobs can be produced with an estimated economic impact of $15 trillion. International Labour Estimates or ILO also estimates that the move towards green and sustainable practices might have an outcome of 24 million jobs by 2030. And, in this, around 18 million is directly related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and additional resource-efficient spheres.
What is Circular Economy?
Circular economy is an economic model that aims at eliminating waste and pollution by preserving resources and utilising them for the longest time possible. This is carried out by designing products that are convenient, reusable, remanufacturable, and recyclable. To put more emphasis on this concept, let us check how circular economy principles are properly incorporated into the nation:
Waste Management: India has made immense progress in waste management in recent years. The nation’s Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission) has played a huge role in minimizing the amount of uncollected waste by 70%. India is also investing in new waste-to-energy technologies, which can aid in generating electricity from waste.
Recycling: India is one of the world’s biggest recyclers of plastic, paper, and metal. Focusing on that, the country’s informal recycling sector employs a huge amount of people and plays a huge role in keeping resources in use.
Renewable Energy: India is investing incredibly in renewable energy sources like wind power and solar. Renewable energy can aid towards minimizing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and generate new jobs.
Circular Economy Model in India and Circular Jobs
In recent years, India has actively adopted the concept of circular economy as a way to address major environmental problems while also promoting economic progress. Circular economy model encourages resource efficiency by reducing waste and enhancing the value generated from products, materials, and resources over their entire existence. This strategy contrasts sharply with the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model, resulting in resource depletion and environmental damage.
In India, several sectors are actively using circular processes. The waste management industry, for example, has seen advances in recycling and upcycling processes, reducing the quantity of waste transported to landfills. Textile, electronics, and automotive industries are looking at ways to extend product lifespans through repair, refurbishing, and remanufacturing, lowering raw material and energy use.
India's transformation to circular economy has the potential to create enormous job opportunities. Circular occupations exist in a variety of industries, including waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-design. For example, the rise of recycling and upcycling activities necessitates a workforce capable of collecting, processing, and repurposing waste materials. Similarly, the construction of renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind farms, generates job opportunities for installation, maintenance, and operation.
Furthermore, circular jobs frequently prioritise local and community-based approaches, so encouraging inclusion and equitable economic growth. Initiatives such as community-based composting, urban gardening programmes, and decentralised renewable energy systems enable individuals and communities to actively engage in circular economy while also creating local jobs.
As India continues to embrace circular economy model, there is immense opportunity to not only mitigate environmental challenges but also foster long-term economic development and create meaningful job opportunities in a variety of sectors, thereby contributing to a more resilient and inclusive society.
Karo Sambhav, a reputed organization, aims to make the world adopt circular economy model at the earliest. Karo Sambhav’s scope is critical and ambitious. The organization aims to make recycling a way of life for thousands of people. If you are looking forward to gaining more knowledge on circular economy model, Karo Sambhav is the one you proceed with.