Meet the demand for green talent

If you're looking to upskill or transition to a greener career, there has never been a better time to make the move.

The green job market is growing, but the demand for green-skilled workers is outpacing the supply. That means job seekers who possess the right skills have a unique opportunity to advance their careers – while contributing to Europe’s 2050 net zero emissions goal.

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LinkedIn's 2024 Green Skills Report, gives us a peek into the latest trends across the continent. It shows that from 2021 to 2024, demand for green-skilled workers in Europe grew by an average of 5% annually.?

Leading the pack with the strongest demand for green talent is the UK, where around one in eight jobs now calls for green skills, followed by Ireland with 12.4% and Norway with 11.6%.?

But the green job market is uneven across Europe, the data shows. Countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece have seen significant drops in demand, with decreases of 43.8%, 20.1%, 18.6% and 17.7% respectively.?

Though demand for workers with green skills is on the rise globally, supply is still playing catch-up. LinkedIn data scientists say the green talent pool needs to double by 2050 to meet growing demand. This gap presents a great opportunity for job seekers looking to move into greener careers.

LinkedIn identifies 12 categories of green skills, including pollution prevention, renewable energy generation and sustainability research. These skills are not only needed in sustainability-focused sectors but also in traditionally polluting industries like oil, gas and mining.

Watch the video below for more insights and share your thoughts in the comments.

Increasingly, professionals want to feel that their work is having a positive impact on the environment. Transitioning to a "greener, more sustainable career path is a natural step", says Anna Mohn , a head of global sustainability. The problem is, she writes, "many people struggle with where to start".

Her advice is to first look at your existing skills and see if you can leverage them to "join an organisation that actively contributes to sustainability". Another tip from Mohn: "take on challenges that others may shy away from" which are opportunities to further the green credentials of the company you work for.

It's clear the green transition is driving a surge in demand for green skills, says Natalie Schrogl , a management consultant. "To stay ahead, it’s vital to focus on acquiring industry-relevant green skills through certifications and real-world projects," she writes.?

"Career trends show a rise in hybrid roles that combine traditional expertise with sustainability knowledge, alongside strong demand in regions such as the UK and Portugal. With the talent gap projected to widen significantly, continuous learning and adaptability are essential. The future of work in sustainability is dynamic and full of opportunity," says Schrogl.

Kelly McParland , a specialist in waste management and environmental recruitment, says she has seen firsthand how the green economy is transforming the job market. "The shift towards a greener future is creating new opportunities across various industries, and now, more than ever, professionals are seeking ways to align their skills with these emerging needs," she writes.

For anyone considering a career change to a greener role, McParland says the first step is to assess the transferable skills you already possess and how they can be applied to the green sector. Next, identify the technical skills you may need to develop in order to get where you want to be.

"Key skills for these roles typically include knowledge of renewable energy systems, sustainability practices, data analysis and regulatory compliance," says McParland. "Additionally, gaining qualifications in environmental management, energy efficiency or specialised green technologies can significantly enhance your prospects."

Are you considering a career change to a greener role? What new skills would you need to develop for such a job? Share your thoughts in the comments or a post from your own profile using this link.

Are you looking to reduce your digital footprint? Discover the secret to creating a more conscious and environmentally friendly mindset in this free LinkedIn Learning course. Instructor Lorena Diaz Quijano shows you how to identify and monitor the impact of your everyday digital activities and make changes based on scientific best practices.

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