What Mindsets and Skillsets for the Next Generation of AI-Sustainability Managers?

"As businesses and societies navigate the twin transformations of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability (ESG), a new breed of professionals—AI Sustainability Managers—will emerge to lead organizations through technological advancements and environmental stewardship complexities." — DMT

1. The 30 Trillion Dollar AI-Sustainability Shift

The convergence of sustainability and digitalization is redefining the future of business and societal development. Climate change, as a major disruptive factor in sustainability, is pushing companies to adopt greener practices, comply with stringent regulations, and invest in sustainable innovations. Businesses are increasingly turning to advanced technologies like AI to monitor emissions, optimize resources, and mitigate environmental risks. This shift is expected to add $14 trillion in value by 2030 through the growth of clean energy, circular economies, and sustainable development (Circular Economy).

Simultaneously, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming industries through a wave of digitalization. AI, robotics, IoT, and blockchain are reshaping production, logistics, and consumption patterns, contributing an estimated $16 trillion in value by 2030. These technologies enable real-time data analysis, automation, and smarter decision-making, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and sustainably. Together, sustainability and digitalization are driving the need for AI-Sustainability Managers to lead organizations through this era of transformation, where technology and environmental stewardship must align to ensure long-term value creation (Forbes).

Marga Hoek, in her books The Trillion Dollar Shift and Tech for Good, captures these mega-trends of sustainability and digitalization. She highlights how advanced technologies, including AI, are enabling businesses to address global challenges like climate change, while simultaneously driving economic growth. These two mega-trends underscore the emergence of AI-Sustainability Managers as critical players in this transformation, with roles like Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) leading the way. These professionals are at the forefront of integrating AI-driven strategies to achieve sustainable development goals and long-term business resilience (Marga Hoek).

2. The “Creative Destructions” of AI and Sustainability

“The largest job creation and destruction effects come from environmental, technology and economic trends. Among the macro trends listed, businesses predict the strongest net job-creation effect to be driven by investments that facilitate the green transition of businesses, the broader application of ESG standards, and supply chains becoming more localized, albeit with job growth offset by partial job displacement in each case. Climate change adaptation and the demographic dividend in developing and emerging economies also rate high as net job creators. Technological advancement through increased adoption of new and frontier technologies and increased digital access are expected to drive job growth in more than half of surveyed companies, offset by expected job displacement in one-fifth of Companies.” (The Future of Jobs Report, 2023)

The convergence of AI and sustainability presents immense opportunities for job creation, particularly in green economies and tech-driven industries. By 2030, it is estimated that the green economy will generate 24 million new jobs globally, driven by roles like renewable energy engineers and sustainability specialists. AI technologies, adopted by 75% of global firms, will support sustainability initiatives such as energy efficiency and waste management, leading to a surge in demand for professionals who can bridge AI and sustainability expertise. This intersection fosters the emergence of AI-Sustainability Managers, who will play a key role in steering organizations through the transition to sustainable business models (McKinsey, Deloitte).

To fully leverage these opportunities, significant investment in reskilling and upskilling is needed. The World Economic Forum’s Reskilling Revolution aims to prepare 1 billion people by 2030, equipping them with the skills to thrive in an economy increasingly shaped by AI and green initiatives. This ambitious effort emphasizes not only digital skills like AI and big data, but also leadership, resilience, and sustainability competencies. As businesses undergo these transformations, AI-Sustainability Managers will be at the forefront, ensuring that technological advancements and sustainability practices align to create positive outcomes for people and the planet (World Economic Forum).

3. Skills Needed in AI-Sustainability Managers

As regulatory demands for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and climate-related disclosures continue to intensify, the role of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) is becoming pivotal in corporate leadership. New regulations, such as California’s SB253+261 and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), are pushing companies to adopt standardized sustainability reporting for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This shift is not only redefining how businesses collect, analyze, and report sustainability data but also elevating CSOs to a strategic position at the forefront of compliance and governance. Technologies like Salesforce’s Net Zero Cloud and other ESG platforms are now essential tools for CSOs to ensure transparency and alignment with global sustainability standards (Salesforce).

The growing prominence of CSOs also points to the increasing need for AI-Sustainability Managers who possess a unique combination of digital and sustainability skills. Analytical thinking, systems thinking, and technological literacy are essential competencies for these roles. Yet, technical expertise alone is not enough. AI-Sustainability Managers must also exhibit resilience, collaboration, and ethical leadership to navigate the complexities of sustainability initiatives. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, top skills for these roles include creative thinking, AI and big data proficiency, and environmental management. These professionals are uniquely positioned to translate complex data into actionable strategies that drive both sustainability performance and business success. To develop these future leaders, sustainability management education must integrate both technical and human-centered competencies (Tavanti & Davis, 2018).

4. The AI-Sustainability Pact Beyond 2030

The future of work for AI-Sustainability Managers goes beyond leveraging technology for business value—it involves shaping a world where technology serves humanity and fosters sustainable progress. As emphasized in Sustainability Beyond 2030:

“As we move towards this future, it's crucial to remember that technology reflects the values of those who create and manage it. [...] By placing AI and other innovations at the service of humanity, we can cultivate a future that respects the planet and enriches the lives of its inhabitants.”

This means AI-Sustainability Managers will need to operate with a strong ethical foundation and a commitment to inclusive and responsible innovation (Sustainability Beyond 2030).

To achieve this vision, it is essential that digital technologies are used to advance sustainable development. The Global Digital Compact states,

“Digital and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, play a significant role as enablers of sustainable development and are dramatically changing our world.”

AI-Sustainability Managers must, therefore, lead in integrating AI with sustainability goals, ensuring that technology accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while managing risks through international cooperation and inclusive engagement. This role will require these professionals to balance technological prowess with a deep understanding of social and environmental impact, creating a positive and lasting legacy for future generations (Summit of the Future - Global Digital Compact).