Climate change is one of the defining challenges of modern times.
The challenge also brings huge opportunities for the green economy to thrive and we are already seeing the benefits of this in Scotland.
Nearly half a million new UK jobs are expected to emerge by 2020 as the UK strives to meet the target of reducing carbon emissions by over a quarter and Scotland works to meet our target of reducing emissions by at least 42 per cent.
Figures show the UK green economy is growing at 5 per cent a year while overall UK economic growth is a more modest 0.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2014, a slight increase from 0.7 per cent in the final quarter of 2013.
Green jobs are on the rise in Scotland with the Scottish Government's £30 million Green Economy and Skills investment package to support energy efficiency and low carbon schemes and the creation of an Energy Skills Academy; and an extra £4m recently announced for these schemes. There are a range of exciting large-scale offshore wind projects off our coast, at various stages of development, bringing with them major supply chain, construction and operations and maintenance opportunities, not to mention the significant contribution these will make in meeting the UK and Scottish renewable energy targets once complete.
Scotland leads the world in developing wave power, with major potential to export Scottish technologies once they reach commercial scale.
Recent research conducted by Global Action Plan asked leading businesses, including Sainsbury's, Bosch and Siemens, where they envisioned new careers emerging.
The results identified 10 future careers expected to emerge as a result of the growth of the green economy, including: green engineers, retail energy specialists, water footprinting managers, traceability managers, clean car mechanics, virtual health support workers, living roof/wall gardeners, green call-centre advisers, smart travel co-ordinators and even landfill miners.
The number of green jobs will increase to 1.4 million with the green economy expected to roughly halve the UK's trade deficit in 2014/2015, according to CBI figures. That is why we need more students to graduate in green-themed courses with new skills and fresh thinking to shape the future of how we live and do business.
There are all sorts of courses available in Environmental Management, Development Management, Technology Management, Business Administration and Systems Thinking in Practice, all exploring some of the most challenging developments shaping what individuals, organisations and communities can do to respond to climate change and related environmental challenges.
In an age when the spotlight is on sustainability, environmental literacy is a great asset both personally and professionally.
Green- themed courses help students to develop a broad understanding of the multi-disciplinary principles involved in environmental policymaking and action, and how large-scale human activity impacts on the environment.
For example, what are the effects of agriculture, resource extraction, energy supply, transport and urbanisation on natural and modified ecosystems? And how can they be managed?
I am a judge for the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Scholarship, a fantastic opportunity that is inviting students to submit ideas for reducing carbon emissions. The four most creative entries will receive fully paid scholarships to study a green themed postgraduate degree course at the Open University.
I'd encourage anyone with a strong green idea to grab this chance.
The judging panel is not looking for a finished product or service but, rather, an innovative idea that could conceivably be brought to market.
As more green jobs spring up across all business sectors, Scots should seriously consider taking a green themed course or submit a winning idea to the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge Scholarship.
They'll acquire highly valued skills that can be used to build a successful career, and also make a difference. Now is the time to get involved.
Applications can be submitted before 5pm on Monday. To find out more, see: www.postcodeculturetrust.org.uk/scholarship
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