Recently, I participated in a panel discussion at the Azim Premji University in Bengaluru as part of the Wipro Earthian Awards. This gathering brought together participants from diverse backgrounds — students and educators from remote villages, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and major urban centers — each with their perspectives and experiences in environmental stewardship. The panel discussion centered on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: how sustainability can evolve from an academic subject to a viable and fulfilling career pathway.
One question stood out to me: A teacher asked, “As a parent, would you advise your child to pursue a career in sustainability?” Another teacher raised concerns about why Environmental Science is not taught as a hands-on subject in schools. A third wondered how teachers can stay updated with advancements in the field. These questions revealed an underlying disconnect between sustainability as an evolving field and how it is perceived and taught in schools across India.
Sustainability: an evolving field
The hesitation around sustainability as a career choice is reflective of a larger issue. There is a misconception that careers in sustainability are limited or financially unviable.
India, like much of the world, is in the midst of a climate crisis. From extreme heat waves and erratic monsoons to pollution and depleting resources, environmental challenges are no longer distant threats—they are here and affecting us daily.
Yet, while sectors such as Finance, Technology, and Engineering are often seen as the primary career paths, Sustainability is an evolving field that requires expertise from multiple disciplines. Whether one comes from a background in Economics, Law, Engineering, Social Sciences, or even the Arts, there is a place for diverse skill sets in Sustainability.
Industries are rapidly shifting towards green energy, sustainable manufacturing, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, creating a demand for professionals who can integrate sustainability principles into various domains. Governments, corporations, and research institutions are investing heavily in solutions for climate change adaptation, energy transition, circular economy, and nature-based solutions.
If parents and educators continue to view sustainability as a secondary option, students may hesitate to explore its vast potential. India must recognise and nurture sustainability as a mainstream career choice to build the skilled workforce necessary to address the climate crisis and drive innovation for a more resilient future. Sustainability is turning into a multidisciplinary, future-ready field and so thinking about building a career in sustainability is increasingly viable.
Reforms in teaching at school level
A recurring theme in our discussion was the way Environmental Science is taught in schools. Currently, it is often reduced to textbook definitions, rote learning, and annual environment-themed projects. But Environmental Science is not just a subject—it is a way of engaging with the world around us.
Science should be experiential, and Environmental Science education must move beyond the classroom. Schools must integrate some real-world applications. With the advent of cheaper IOT-based sensors, it is cost-effective to set up key instruments such as weather stations, and monitoring air and water quality instruments for students on practical teaching.
Additionally, students can be engaged in project-based learning in waste management, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation. Many students in rural and semi-urban areas are already living close to environmental challenges. Making them active participants in local environmental and sustainability efforts would not only enhance learning but also empower them to be problem-solvers in their communities.
Some countries leading in climate action have already incorporated such experiential learning models. For example, the nature school concept in Finland’s environmental education includes field studies and problem-solving activities based on local issues. The question is, can we take inspiration and adapt similar models and fine-tune our students and the Indian wisdom to blend into our education to revitalise environmental and sustainability education in India?
Need for teachers to upskill
One of the most critical gaps highlighted during our discussion was the lack of avenues for teachers to stay updated with new developments in sustainability. The strong concern highlighted was if the teachers are not updated, how can they teach their students effectively? Unlike subjects like math or history, sustainability is a dynamic field—it evolves with scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and policy changes.
How do we ensure our teachers are equipped with the latest knowledge? The answer probably lies in continuous learning programs. Universities, research institutions, and governmental bodies must collaborate to create upskilling programs for educators. Regular workshops, online courses, and interactive platforms can help teachers stay informed. Additionally, partnerships with sustainability professionals — scientists, urban planners, climate policy experts — can bring fresh insights into classrooms and bridge the gap between research and teaching.
A national-level initiative to train teachers in sustainability education could have a transformative impact, ensuring that students across India receive relevant and forward-thinking education in this crucial field.
Shift in perception about sustainability
Beyond schools, the general perception of sustainability in India also needs a shift. Sustainability is often seen as an elite concern — something that urban policymakers, environmental NGOs, or global institutions discuss, but not an immediate priority for everyday citizens. This could not be further from the truth. In reality, the most affected by environmental degradation are those with the least resources to cope.
Farmers dealing with unpredictable rainfall, urban dwellers battling rising air pollution, and coastal communities facing sea-level rise — these are real, urgent challenges. Making sustainability a household concern requires mainstreaming it in our conversations, media, and governance.
Public awareness campaigns, storytelling through films and digital media, and community-based sustainability initiatives can help change this perception. The government’s emphasis on solar energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable infrastructure is a step in the right direction, but these policies must be accompanied by grassroots awareness and education.
The panel discussion reinforced one key takeaway: All of us have a role to play in taking sustainability beyond textbooks and into our everyday lives. Schools, teachers, parents, policymakers, and industry leaders must work together to reshape sustainability education in India. A well-informed young generation that sees sustainability not just as an academic subject but as a way of thinking and problem-solving will be crucial in building a resilient future.
The moment to act is now, and the classroom is just the beginning. By making sustainability education hands-on, supporting teachers in continuous learning, and changing national perceptions about careers in the field, we can ensure that students across India — whether from remote villages or metropolitan cities — are equipped to be the climate leaders of tomorrow.
(Santonu Goswami is a Climate Scientist and Senior Faculty at the School of Climate Change and Sustainability at Azim Premji University, Bangalore)
(Please email us your suggestions and feedback regarding education to [email protected])
Published – February 26, 2025 05:43 pm IST