New research from LinkedIn warns that while Gen Z claims to be the most environmentally conscious generation yet, even quitting jobs that aren’t environmentally friendly, their lack of “green skills” is actually putting climate progress at “risk”.
The online platform surveyed more than 7,000 global workers from the UK to the US and Brazil and found that only one in 20 Gen Z have the green skills needed to tackle the climate crisis, compared with eight in the overall workforce. one part.
But it gets worse: at the current rate of progress, businesses risk failing to meet net zero targets due to Gen Z’s inexperience.
Among Fortune 500 companies, 47% have ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets. But LinkedIn warns that by then, only one in 10 Gen Z will have the required green skills.
“This is a problem because by then this generation will make up a third of the workforce,” the report emphasizes. “The future of our planet depends on green talent, and that means making the most of every generation of the workforce.”
What exactly are green skills?
For those who are unsure, green skills is an umbrella term that encompasses the various capabilities and expertise required to address the environmental challenges we face.
“These may be technical skills relevant to the renewable energy industry (for example, knowing how to protect water systems or install heat pumps), or broader skills such as climate action planning, corporate sustainability, sustainable procurement, sustainability reporting and impact assessment,” Suduk, head of LinkedIn, told Public Policy wealth.
For real-life examples of green skills, look no further than sustainability roles.
“The sustainability officer will oversee the implementation and maintenance of the company’s sustainability strategy. Green building designers may develop new environmentally friendly materials for construction projects,” Duke explains.
“Product life cycle analysts may assess and reduce the environmental impact of consumer products as they move through the supply chain.”
It’s not Gen Z’s fault that they are “unskilled”
When it comes to Gen Z’s severe lack of green skills, it’s not due to lack of demand.
In fact, the youngest generation of workers are more likely than other generations to want an environmentally friendly job.
LinkedIn notes that nearly two-thirds of Gen Z would consider turning down a job offer if they didn’t like their employer’s green policies, compared with half of the overall workforce.
At the same time, COP28 inspired 58% of Gen Z to seek new green jobs, compared with 48% of the overall workforce.
Another study by Deloitte also showed that more than 70% of Generation Z and Millennial employees will consider the environmental policies of their future employers when applying for jobs.
But the reality is that young workers are stuck: They can’t get into green jobs because they lack the skills they need, but they’ll never gain the skills or experience they need until they get a green job.
Climate progress will be at risk unless green jobs are more accessible
According to LinkedIn research, Gen Z’s main barriers to obtaining green jobs are a lack of available job opportunities (63%), a lack of experience (52%) and a lack of green skills (40%).
That’s why the report recommends that companies that want to achieve sustainability goals start training their employees, or that Gen Z takes matters into their own hands and starts upskilling themselves.
“Unless green jobs become more accessible, climate progress will be at risk, requiring targeted action on skills from governments and businesses,” the report warns.
Recommendations to businesses include identifying the skills needed to meet climate goals and recruiting based on these skills (not just job titles or qualifications), as well as implementing targeted training programs to develop young workers.
Meanwhile, for young workers who want to work in green jobs, the report recommends strengthening their digital and STEM skills. These will increase workers’ chances of successfully transitioning to green jobs, LinkedIn data shows.
“Young people believe that if they receive training, they can learn green skills,” Duke concluded.
“Facing an ongoing green talent shortage that puts climate progress at risk, businesses and policymakers must do more to prioritize skills training and entry-level green jobs to empower young workers in the green transition.”
