The global transition to a greener economy isn’t just about adopting sustainable practices—it’s about equipping the workforce with the right skills to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. As industries pivot toward net zero, the need for both upskilling and reskilling is becoming increasingly urgent. Without a suitably trained workforce, the path to a sustainable future is not only challenging but potentially impossible.
In fact, the global skills crisis is emerging as a significant threat to both economic prosperity and the world’s ability to deliver on net zero commitments. Addressing these challenges will require a focused, coordinated effort to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills necessary for new green jobs and the evolving requirements of existing roles.
The Growing Skills Gap in Green Jobs
The demand for green skills is growing faster than the supply. Analysis by LinkedIn shows that green job postings have increased by 8% annually over the past five years, but the growth of green talent has only kept pace at 6% per year. This disparity highlights a critical skills gap that employers are already struggling with, particularly in industries undergoing rapid transitions, such as agriculture and fashion.
This skills shortage isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a significant barrier to achieving global carbon reduction targets. According to research by Vivid Economics, nearly 20% of global carbon abatement relies on filling gaps in fundamental STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. The remaining 80% can be addressed with existing skills, but this still requires workers to acquire specific, applied knowledge to meet the demands of the green economy. For instance, plumbers who already have the expertise to install gas boilers may need additional training to install heat pumps effectively.
A Coordinated Effort is Key
In the UK, academics from Coventry University are highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach to Net Zero Future Skills. Their research, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Clean Futures Programme, involves engaging with over 100 employers through workshops and surveys to understand the barriers to training and reskilling workforces. Their findings, to be published in a report this September, will likely call for standardized training programs, clear employment pathways, and flexible delivery methods to build a robust skills ecosystem for the net zero future.
One proposal being discussed is the creation of a Green Skills Hub, which would support growth across energy production, advanced manufacturing, and low-carbon industries. Such initiatives could play a pivotal role in aligning training efforts with industry needs, ensuring that workers are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
The Economic Multiplier of Green Jobs
Investing in green skills doesn’t just benefit the environment—it also boosts the economy. According to PwC UK, for every green job created, an additional 1.4 jobs are generated across other sectors. In certain areas, such as ecosystem restoration, this multiplier effect is even higher, reaching 3.7. By focusing on green skills provision, we not only address the skills gap but also create a ripple effect of job creation that benefits the broader economy.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts that the shift to green energy alone could lead to a net increase of 18 million jobs globally by 2030. More recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that over 30 million new jobs could be created in clean energy and low-emissions technologies by the same year. These figures underscore the vast economic potential of a green transition.
Upskilling for a Sustainable Future
Despite the clear economic and environmental benefits, public support for climate action isn’t guaranteed. Economic pressures, such as inflation and unemployment, can overshadow the urgency of climate change in the minds of many. This is where upskilling comes into play—not just as a means to prepare for green jobs, but as a way to build momentum for the green transition.
By linking the short-term economic benefits of green jobs to the long-term advantages of climate action, we can build stronger public support for net zero initiatives. For young people, especially, seeing the green economy as a pathway out of unemployment can increase their advocacy for sustainability efforts. According to the ILO, a green transition could create 8.4 million jobs for young people by 2030, offering a tangible reason to support and engage with climate action.
The transition to a net zero economy presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the skills gap is a significant hurdle, it also provides a chance to reshape the workforce for a more sustainable future. By investing in upskilling and reskilling initiatives, we can ensure that the green economy is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically prosperous.
At ComeThinkAgain, we believe in the power of knowledge and action. As we move forward in this green transition, let’s commit to building the skills needed for a sustainable future—one that benefits both people and the planet.
