Green Career Paths

Demand for green talent is outstripping supply. According to new data from LinkedIn's Economic Graph, green demand surged by 11.6% last year, while supply only grew by 5.6%. To put that another way, by 2030, nearly one in five jobs requiring green skills could go unfilled. By 2050, that figure could balloon to one in two jobs. This means it’s a great time to go green — worldwide, the hiring rate for job seekers with green skills is 54.6% higher than the rest of the workforce. In the U.S., that figure jumps to 80.3% higher. Some of the fastest-growing skills for these workers include building performance, responsible sourcing and environmental due diligence. Sectors welcoming workers with such skills at higher rates include the utilities industry, driven by the rapid expansion in renewable energy, along with the construction and manufacturing industries. What’s your best advice for workers looking to break into these roles? Weigh in below. And see more LinkedIn data on this topic here: https://lnkd.in/d8NSZXqA ✍: Taylor Borden 📊: Akash Kaura, LinkedIn's Economic Graph

Achieving our global climate goals hinges on having a workforce that can get it done. New data from LinkedIn shows that we’re already falling behind. 💡Just to keep up employer demand for green talent — which is growing twice as fast as the supply — we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to double the green talent pool by 2050. 🌍 More key findings from LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Climate Talent Stock Take:  📈 Globally, the LinkedIn hiring rate for the green talent pool is 54.6% higher than the rate for the workforce overall, a sign of high demand for workers with green skills. ⚡ Renewable energy production and building decarbonization are driving green skills growth. ♻️Responsible sourcing is one of the fastest growing green skills in multiple countries, a nod to increased focus on supply chain decarbonization. 🌧️It’s not just about reducing emissions. Workers are adding skills to focused on adapting to a changing planet with more severe weather. So what? We need collective action now, and that includes policy leadership. We have three core recommendations: ❇ All climate commitments, either from governments or companies, must include workforce investments. That includes the next round of NDCs, the drafts of which are due early in 2025. ❇ Signal to governments, companies, and educators through a formal declaration that workers are enablers of climate action. This will help muster  the cross-sector collaboration and resources required to grow climate talent at speed and scale. ❇ Integrate workforce agencies, partners, and insights into climate policy development. Climate policy developed in a silo is destined to fall short. #GreenJobs #ClimateChange #GreenerTogether #COP29 #NYCW2024 #climateweeknyc

🚨 Our recent climate jobs survey shocked us. "The green skills that help you get hired are not the green skills needed on the job" according to >60 professionals who recently got hired into climate roles Key findings? 1. Supply chain management skills are 53% more important 2. Specialized technical skills - like carbon accounting & reporting to data modeling & analysis - are 27% to 37% more important 3. Broad climate fluency are 23% to 32% less important ..to perform in sustainability-related roles This indicates that organizations have an opportunity to - better understand green skills required for the role - better train their workforce on the right green skills 💬 What stands out to you from our survey findings? ~~~ If you are interested to read more, take a read of our climate workforce playbook 🔗 https://bit.ly/4emBF12

New data shows why it's important to invest in closing the green skill gap: According to LinkedIn’s latest Climate Talent Stocktake, we need to at least double the green talent pool by 2050 to keep up with employer demand. In fact, we are seeing the share of job postings requiring green skills has been growing 2x as fast as the share of workers who have green skills from 2021-2024. Addressing the green skills gap is an economic necessity and critical climate strategy. As the world works towards meeting ambitious climate targets, green skills will offer both a competitive advantage in an already competitive job market and will help us collectively move faster towards a more climate-resilient future. On a personal note, a career that uses green skills is also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling!   Dig into the data in the LinkedIn Global Climate Talent Stocktake: https://lnkd.in/gH4tNQ2v Access Learning Resources and the actions needed to help close the green skills gap: ✅ https://lnkd.in/ghrGWKxu ✅ https://lnkd.in/gP7a6ViY

💼 Here’s how the data in the LinkedIn #GlobalGreenSkillsReport makes me hopeful for the climate & sustainability workforce over the next four years 💚 After the election, it might seem like the outlook for green jobs is grim, and while a non-climate-friendly administration won’t do the green workforce any favors, there is still plenty of work to be done.  LinkedIn published the Global Green Skills Report last week, and its packed with data that projects strong, sustained growth in demand for green talent around the world.  Here are 5 key insights from the report along with my thoughts on why these trends are likely to continue even under a new administration: 1. Demand for green skills in the technology industry spiked by 60% over the past year led by skills related to corporate sustainability, environmental policy, energy generation & management, and circularity 👉 These jobs should continue growing as more AI infrastructure is developed & demand increases for management of construction and electricity generation resources 2. Hiring in the US renewable energy sector is now 120% higher than in fossil fuels 👉 The BIL & IRA increased demand for renewable energy, but there are also strong underlying economic, environmental, & resilience factors at play. Even with pro-fossil fuel policies in place, renewable energy capacity in the US grew at record rates 2016-20 👉 Some of the IRA incentives may be sticking around: House Republicans have publicly urged caution when ‘reevaluating’ the IRA as it has brought significant, demonstrated economic benefits to their districts 3. 1 in 5 job postings in the construction industry requires green skills like energy efficiency and green materials 👉 The BIL & IRA increased demand for this work too, but many green construction decisions are also driven by state and local building codes, the benefits of efficient equipment and materials, and corporate sustainability objectives 4. Employers find green skills appealing: Even in markets where postings for green jobs dropped, green talent was more than twice as likely as other talent was to be hired 👉 It’s nice to know that any investments you make in green upskilling will add value to your career regardless of what you do 5. Global demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as supply 2023-2024 & is projected to continue doing so through 2050 👉 There are many reasons why the future of green work is bright & the projected exponential growth in global demand is a big one. Read the entire report for more insights on the growing demand for green skills & the increasing shortage of green talent around the world. Don’t get me wrong, anti-climate policies are likely to slow green job growth in the US to some extent—but there are too many other factors contributing to that growth & too many amazing humans working on the problem for me to lose my belief that things will continue to move forward. Do you agree?

🌱 climate-change mitigation is now the third-most transformative trend for business, with 47% of employers expecting it to reshape their operations and drive demand for green jobs by 2030. 📌 how organizations are creating new roles in renewable energy and environmental stewardship and the upskilling that powers the transition 🍀 the global push to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change is fundamentally reshaping the labor market. employers are not only investing in sustainable practices but also creating a surge in demand for new roles focused on renewable energy and environmental stewardship. ☘️ key developments: 🌳 emergence of green roles: roles such as renewable energy engineers, environmental engineers, and electric and autonomous vehicle specialists are among the 15 fastest-growing jobs worldwide. these positions are directly driven by increased efforts and investments to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. 🌲 environmental stewardship skills on the rise: for the first time, environmental stewardship has entered the list of top 10 fastest-growing skills. this reflects a broader shift in employer priorities, with sustainability and climate literacy becoming core competencies across sectors from manufacturing and energy to agriculture and infrastructure. 🌵 upskilling initiatives: despite a 12% global increase in workers acquiring green skills between 2022 and 2023, demand continues to outpace supply. the number of job postings requiring at least one green skill rose by nearly 22% over the same period. To bridge this gap, organizations are prioritizing upskilling and reskilling: 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling their workforce, with a significant focus on sustainability and green technologies. Training programs include technical certifications in renewable energy systems, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable supply chain management1. 🌾 sector examples: 🍄 energy & utilities: companies are creating new jobs in solar and wind installation, battery storage, and grid modernization. 🍄 automotive: the shift to electric vehicles is generating demand for specialists in battery technology and sustainable materials. 🍄 agriculture: sustainable farming practices are driving new roles in regenerative agriculture and environmental monitoring

I've heard from thousands of green jobseekers that feel “stuck” in their journey to work on climate, with the four most common barriers being:  🤝 Lack of personal connections in the industry 🛠 Uncertainty on transferring skills 👷♀️ Lacking direct experience in the field 🔍 Challenges finding organizations or roles that align with interests   Last year, I hosted a mini-series of the Degrees Podcast called ‘The Year of the Climate Job.’ Each episode dissects these barriers and shares ways to overcome them. Here is the full series, along with key takeaways: 🤝 Lack of personal connections in the industry Episode: How to network for a green job with purpose-driven LinkedIn expert Nick Martin - https://lnkd.in/eNP6FJ9e Takeaways: - Browse the #OpenDoorClimate Directory to find climate professionals willing to connect and chat https://lnkd.in/gSf727gi - Use LinkedIn to build relationships with people you admire and contribute content yourself 🛠 Uncertainty on transferring skills Episode: Transfer your skills to a green job with Work on Climate’s Eugene Kirpichov - https://lnkd.in/ecjggq_V Takeaways: - Try to connect with people in jobs that you want to understand what skills they use day-to-day - Take stock of your own skills and remember that climate-focused companies need traditional skills 👷♀️ Lacking direct experience in the field Episode: Learn how to build your climate experience with Terra.do founder Anshuman Bapna - https://lnkd.in/e2tKYnTQ Takeaways: - Consider courses or certification programs that incorporate case studies or capstone projects - Try pitching yourself for freelance or project-based work or volunteerism 🔍 Challenges finding organizations or roles that align with interests Episode: Taking the mystery out of finding a green job with Green Jobs Board’s Kristy Drutman - https://lnkd.in/eZbJVPwJ Takeaways: - Pair skills with what you’re passionate about when searching general or climate job boards - Follow industry news and analysis hubs to learn about companies and potential roles 🤷♂️ Unsure how to use current job for climate action Episode: How to green any job with Project Drawdown’s Jamie Beck Alexander - https://lnkd.in/eMKVEFPN Takeaways: - Understand the leverage points of existing job functions have to take climate action - Organize with other interested coworkers to brainstorm and come together on issues and action I also recommend checking out the latest season of Degrees from Yesh Pavlik Slenk featuring some incredible guests, including Katharine Hayhoe, Solitaire Townsend, Drew Wilkinson and Shannon Houde,. https://lnkd.in/eba8GBdF

Did you know that by 2050, half of all jobs will require green skills? The global demand for sustainability talent is skyrocketing, creating exciting new career paths and opportunities for professionals across industries. With the rapid evolution of technology and increasing government regulations, sustainability expertise is becoming a key driver of growth and innovation. LinkedIn's "Global Green Skills Report 2024" provides valuable insights into these trends: 🟢 Between 2023 and 2024, the global demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as the supply - with demand increasing by 11.6% and supply by 5.6%. 🟢 The utilities industry leads all industries in green talent demand, with nearly a quarter of job postings (23.1%) requiring green skills.   🟢 Job seekers with green skills or titles see a 54.6% higher hiring rate than the workforce overall.   🟢 In the US, the hiring rate for green talent is 80.3% greater than the hiring rate for talent overall.   🟢 The share of job postings requiring green skills is highest in the UK, with 13% of UK jobs now requiring at least one sustainability skill. The technology sector is at the forefront of this exciting transformation, with companies actively seeking professionals who can help them minimize their environmental impact and develop innovative sustainability solutions. From reducing emissions to integrating circular economy principles, tech companies are leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future. This increased focus on sustainability is also evident in more traditional industries. The energy sector is undergoing a massive shift towards renewable sources, with significant investments in solar and wind power driving the demand for skilled workers in these fields. Similarly, the construction industry is embracing green building practices and sustainable materials to lessen its environmental impact. This growing demand for sustainability talent presents a unique opportunity for professionals to upskill and contribute to a more sustainable future. By investing in green skills training and development, we can unlock a wealth of career possibilities and drive positive change across all sectors. I encourage you to learn more about the sustainability skills shortage and how you can be a part of the solution. Whether you're a student, a job seeker, or an employer, there are steps you can take to make a difference. Check out the report here - https://lnkd.in/giUry5mD #sustainability #greentransition #renewableenergy #greenskills #climateaction

Want to break into climate? I’ve had over 200 career calls with climate job seekers within the past year. Here are the 4 most commonly asked questions and my best answers: ⭐ How can I get a head start in college?  • Focus your coursework and internships on an expertise/industry pair, like marketing and sustainable fashion, business and regenerative agriculture, or data science and energy. • If you can’t decide on a niche, build versatile skills like finance, engineering, design, and sales. These skills are needed across climate-focused organizations. • Most recommended internship board: EDICT Internship Program by Elemental Excelerator 💫 How can I switch to climate from another industry? • Opportunities can be found in solution-focused organizations (e.g., Pachama, Kevala), sustainability/CSR teams (e.g., Carhartt, Adobe), and governmental offices (e.g., NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). • Many people try to overhaul their entire career. Instead, try changing only one variable at a time: seek a similar role in a new industry or a new role in a familiar industry (eg; marketing in fashion → marketing at a SaaS company like Recurate). • Mentorship, freelancing, and certificates can bridge the gap in industry experience. • Most recommended mentorship opportunities: Third Derivative and GrowthMentor ✨ How do I choose a niche?  • Standing out in climate requires being a near-perfect fit. Find the intersection of what you're good at, what you love, what you can be paid for, and what's needed across climate efforts. • Hop on career calls with folks across domains and industries to learn more about the day-to-day of their roles. • Most recommended starting points for market research: Climatebase, Work on Climate, CareerOneStop, and Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) 🌎 Do I need to join a program like Terra.do, Work on Climate, or OnePointFive (opf.degree)?  • These programs are helpful but not necessary. Free resources like coaching calls, videos, and podcasts can be valuable too. • Remember that “climate” isn’t really a standalone job! Consider how you can provide value to a climate-focused team and focus on building credibility in your desired solution sector (energy, agriculture, etc.). • Most recommended programs: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Reforge, and Stanford University's certificates. -- Interested in a free careers session? • Check out the Work on Climate Expert Office Hours list and the #OpenDoorClimate list, launched by Daniel Hill. Interested in breaking into climate as a marketer? • Here's a comprehensive guide I put together: https://lnkd.in/gUqyFh_b I did my best to keep this post short. If anybody has more they’d like to add for climate job seekers, please add it to the comments. Thank you! Illustration by @tatooine_girl

LinkedIn data shows that between 2022 and 2023, the share of green talent in the workforce grew by 12.3%, but job postings requiring green skills surged by 22.4%.    As I prepare to head off to #WorldEconomicForum in Davos, WEF’s recent Global Skills Report brings the issue of the global green skills gap top-of-mind for me again. Specifically, what we need to do as businesses to address it as we continue to support a resilient workforce.   To harness talent and expedite a transition that is not only greener, but equitable and just, we need to: 1) Build public-sector capacity with internal training policies 2) Develop coherent policies for lifelong learning and social protection 3) Create #greenskills education programs for young people 4) Support displaced workers in transitioning to #greenjobs   Transitioning to a more sustainable future for all requires a significant workforce shift. It's crucial to address the skills gap now to ensure we have the adequate talent for this global #transformation.   For some extra insights on the subject, have look at my latest blog for the World Economic Forum 🌎 ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eZfB4dsE #ShapeTheFutureWithConfidence #sustainability