A new LinkedIn report published today (19th September) has revealed that although the demand for green skills is predicted to double by 2050, the current supply is failing to keep pace. The Global Climate Talent Stocktake 2024 report has urged that if more professionals do not get equipped with the necessary skills, the current green skills gap will widen significantly. Keep reading to discover the findings of the report and how it will affect global business sustainability.Â
What were the findings of the report?
The report shared that the global demand for green talent increased by 11.6 percent from 2023 to 2024, however, the number of professionals acquiring green skills grew by just 5.6 percent. This disparity is expected to widen to 101.5 percent by 2050 if the current trends continue.Â
According to the report, the countries with the most demand for green talent include the United Kingdom, where 13 percent of job openings require at least one green skill. Followed by the UK is Ireland (12.4 percent), Saudi Arabia (11.7 percent), Norway (11.6 percent), and Switzerland (11.5 percent).Â
Demand for green talent has skyrocketed in Portugal, with a 71.3 percent growth in employment requiring such skills year after year. The UK witnessed a significant annual rise of 46 percent, while Costa Rica experienced a 40 percent increase. Singapore’s demand grew by 21.7 percent, and Luxembourg witnessed a 27 percent rise.Â
Germany, which has prioritised the use of green hydrogen in its net-zero plan, has seen an increased demand for skills in renewable hydrogen (224.5 percent) and hydrogen storage (130.7 percent). Despite all of this growth, the overall green talent supply remains inadequate to meet these rising demands.Â
The LinkedIn report was released just weeks before the next annual COP29, which will take place on November 11th in Baku. A spokesperson from LinkedIn has urged that every climate goal and commitment made around the world is at risk if we lack a workforce that can deliver the change we urgently require.Â
Gain essential green skills and lead impactful sustainability initiatives with our Diploma in Business Sustainability
Hiring rates for green talent are higher on averageÂ
The new LinkedIn report also highlighted that hiring rates for green talent are above average. Globally, the hiring rate for green talent is 54.6% higher than the overall workforce. In the US, the hiring rate for green skills soared to 80.3 percent higher than the overall hiring rate.Â
For Ireland, demand grew by 22.1 percent while supply increased by just 6.3 percent, resulting in a 79.8 percent higher hiring rate for green talent. In the UK, green talent-hiring rates are 72 percent above average, despite a 46 percent rise in demand and just a 5.3 percent increase in supply.Â
Even in countries where green job postings have decreased, like the Netherlands and Finland, green talent continues to be hired at more than twice the rate of other talent. The research emphasised the critical need for quick action to grow the green talent pool and close the skills gap.Â
LinkedIn has recommended that governments incorporate skills development plans into their Paris Agreement contributions and climate strategies. The platform has also called for a formal COP29 declaration to drive the development of the global climate workforce and make sure that climate ambitions are matched with effective workforce expansion strategies.
Soft skills training given low priority
Other research has also highlighted the lack of green skills among professionals. In particular, a new study conducted by Oxford Brookes Business School in collaboration with the Climate Change Coaches uncovered a lack of soft skills among professionals is undermining efforts to meet climate targets.Â
In the study entitled ‘Holding Back Climate Progress: Sustainability’s Critical Skills Gap‘, 159 professionals from various organisational levels and areas were interviewed, many of whom worked for companies with established sustainability goals. It found that although the importance of soft skills is recognised, they are not consistently prioritised in training and development programmes.Â
In other words, 60 percent of respondents said that soft skills training is given a low priority, even though these skills are typically sought after more than technical knowledge. Some of the soft skills mentioned in the study include fostering teamwork, providing clear, motivating direction for managing organisational change, and empowering individuals.Â
These skills are considered critical for navigating the green transition, which entails reducing environmental and climate effects to achieve a low-emission society whilst maintaining biodiversity. The survey also found that sustainability practitioners continue to experience significant emotional distress as a result of the challenging and isolating nature of their roles.Â
Ultimately, those behind the study believe that organisations need to prioritise these soft skills and foster supportive cultures to truly accelerate progress towards sustainability objectives whilst addressing issues of burnout and overwhelm. Sustainability roles are set to evolve, and the authors of the study have urged we need to develop and support a talent pipeline with 21st-century climate leadership skills.Â
Conclusion
In light of the findings from the research above, it is clear that a mix of technical green skills and crucial soft skills is essential to bridge the sustainability skills gap. As demand for green talent continues to surge, companies must prioritise workforce development to meet their sustainability goals and keep pace with evolving climate commitments.Â
Building a skilled, adaptive workforce is not only key to achieving environmental targets but also offers a competitive edge in today’s economy. If you’re looking to upskill and address gaps in sustainability knowledge but aren’t sure where to begin, we offer a range of courses through our online, self-paced learning platform.Â
Whether you’re interested in our comprehensive Diploma in Business Sustainability, which covers all key sustainability topics, or in shorter, focused courses on subjects like CSRD, Green Marketing, or Sustainable Supply Chains, our programmes are designed to equip you with the practical skills and tools needed to help your organisation meet its climate targets.
