Will you be part of the green jobs revolution?

We’ve done the impossible. Between Covid-19 restrictions, grounded airlines, crippled supply chains and national recessions, we’ve figured out a different way to work and live. So can we, as a global community, do it again in the name of climate change?

The shift towards a greener world can already be seen in global hiring data, with Australia and New Zealand leading the way in APAC.

This is opening up opportunities for job seekers and students, especially those who want to work in an industry embracing green skills.

But is it happening fast enough to make meaningful change??

My Green World CEO and PWC development lead Natalie Kyriacou OAM, tells LinkedIn, “We are in the midst of a revolution like no other. The transition to the climate-driven economy of the future will bring unprecedented change, and an incredible opportunity to elevate the skills that will allow us to embrace an equitable and clean future.”

Green talent in the workforce worldwide is rising. The share of green talent increased from 9.6% in 2015, to 13.3% in 2021 — a growth rate of 38.5%.

In Australia, green jobs accounted for 1.2% of all hires in 2021, a 50% increase from 2016. In New Zealand, green hiring has been on an upward trajectory, sitting 41% higher in 2021 compared to 2016.

Whether you want to work in a green industry, or simply add a few related skills to your CV, the best place to start is by speaking to people making moves in the field.

Kyriacou recognises this can be daunting for those working in fields with uncertain futures, but she says change is a time for opportunity.

“Close to seven in 10 jobs in the oil and gas industry overlap with the skills needed in the renewable energy industry. We will see increased demand for engineers, construction managers for wind and large-scale solar projects, EV mechanics, and battery manufacturers.

"We will need electricians certified to install solar PV, environmental scientists with core skills in data and AI, and change management specialists to support organisational transformation."

We asked all the honorees of the LinkedIn Top Green Voices in Australia/NZ what they think is the most important green skill professionals need to acquire for future roles, and their answers may surprise you.

Arron Wood, sustainability expert

“To meet the massive challenge posed by climate change means making sustainability core business, no matter what profession. Green plumbers, electricians, engineers, accountants, educators, environmental health professionals and the list goes on."

“In short if you're not going green, you'll be quickly in the red.”

Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Executive Director, Plastic Free Foundation

"Professionals need to acquire an understanding of a full life cycle perspective to stop the current linear use of resources, and shift to a circular economy so we don't trade off one problem for another."

David Hall, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Science and Public Policy, AUT University

"The most important skill is storytelling — stories that show respect for the values and concerns of their audience."

Blair Palese, Managing and Climate Editor, Climate & Capital Media

"Right now climate change is impacting everything from energy systems and investment opportunities to insurance premiums. Staying up to date with how fast climate change issues are moving is critical."

Florian Graichen, General Manager, Forests to Biobased Products, Scion

"Technical Skills: biotechnology, automation and robotics, material science, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biology and genetics.

"General skills: problem-solving, negotiations and reasoning, critical thinking, circular design thinking, resilience, leadership and social influence."

Carla Bates, Head of Environmental Sustainability, KiwiRail

"Mental resilience, tenacity, open mindedness, collaboration but most of all engaging, educating and ‘walking the talk’."

Brianne West, Founder and CEO, Ethique

"Critical thinking — because sustainability is rarely the knee-jerk reaction we all leap to. For example buying a cotton bag instead of a plastic one, not knowing the resources that go into the cotton bag can be between 400-600 times more."

Charlotte Connell, Climate Tech Solution Seeker

"It's funny this idea of 'green skills'. I've worked in sustainability a long, long time and what we need is 'all the skills' — a strong business acumen, commercialisation, growth, marketing and technical skills to accelerate and grow impact."

James Grugeon, Climate Reality Leader and Founder of The Good Beer Co

"People working in green or sustainability roles need to think about how to acquire skills that relate to starting or running a business.?I want to see more purpose-led startups and I think it’s exciting to see a growing number of large and small existing businesses seeking BCorp certification."

Pavina Adunratanasee, Smart Solutions Manager, Iberdrola Australia

"A firm commitment to the mission — we're trying to disrupt many decades of climate complacency and it's not going to be a straight path."

David Ritter, Chief Executive Officer, Greenpeace Australia Pacific?

"In terms of action on climate, the most important skill to understand is how each individual can have the biggest possible impact on combatting the climate crisis through systems-change, based on their own lives and the institutions, workplaces and communities of which they are a part."

Report by:?Yao Huang

Source:?https://lnkd.in/gWxZMisY

Do you feel there's an opportunity to hone green skills in your industry? Share your thoughts.

To help companies and professionals understand the green transition better, and their part in it, LinkedIn is releasing a LinkedIn Learning course free until May 19, 2022.

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