Check out Keypoint Intelligence’s Sustainability page!
As companies race to meet ambitious sustainability goals, a new challenge is coming into focus: the “green” skills gap. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Global Green Skills Report, the demand for eco-aware talent is outpacing supply—by a lot. From construction and energy to manufacturing and utilities, nearly every industry is feeling the pressure to find workers equipped with the skills to support decarbonization, climate mitigation, and sustainable operations.
 |
Why Green Skills Matter—Now More Than Ever
Here’s the catch: You can’t hire your way out of this. As LinkedIn’s experts point out, the solution lies in upskilling—developing the workforce we already have. That starts with building “climate fluency” across departments so employees understand the role they, their company, and their industry play in climate action.
While Gen Z is ready to be part of the solution, many do not feel ready for the growing “green” economy. According to LinkedIn’s report, 45% of Gen Z workers say they lack the experience needed to land a eco-friendly job while 40% say they don’t have the right skills.
Eager but Unprepared
Generation Z stands out as one of the most climate-conscious cohorts in history. A significant majority express deep concern about environmental issues, with many indicating that these worries influence major life decisions such as where to live and whether to have children.
Despite this heightened awareness and desire to make a difference, many Gen Z workers feel ill-equipped to enter the “green” workforce. LinkedIn’s report says that 45% of Gen Z workers believe they lack the necessary experience for eco-friendly jobs, and 40% feel they don’t possess the appropriate skills. Alarmingly, only 25% have access to “green” skills training programs in the United States.
This gap between passion and preparedness underscores the need for comprehensive educational and professional development initiatives. By integrating climate education across various disciplines and providing accessible training opportunities, we can empower Gen Z to translate their environmental concerns into meaningful action.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
Environmental skills aren’t just for solar installers or sustainability officers anymore. They’re becoming essential across a wide range of roles—whether you’re in marketing, logistics, IT, or operations. Understanding how your work connects to broader climate goals is increasingly valuable. From reducing emissions in supply chains to adopting energy-efficient technologies, every role can play a part. That means businesses need to invest in training, schools need to integrate climate education across disciplines, and policymakers must prioritize funding for “green” workforce development. If we want to turn climate goals into reality, we need to make these skills a priority at every level.
And we need to start now.
Stay ahead in the ever-evolving print industry by browsing our Industry Reports page for the latest insights. Log in to the InfoCenter to view research, reports, and studies on sustainability through our Workplace CompleteView and Production-based Advisory Services. Not a subscriber? Contact us for more information.
