Sustainability isn’t just for scientists: Green skills for every career When you think about sustainability, you might picture wind turbines, recycling bins, or conservation work in the wild. But today, sustainability is relevant across every career path. Whether you're working in admin, events, hospitality, tech, or education, the choices you make every day can shape a more inclusive, efficient, and climate-conscious future. Yet despite this growing relevance, a gap remains: less than half of young people globally feel they have the green skills needed for today’s workforce. So how do we fix that? So, what are green skills? Green skills refer to the knowledge, behaviours, and values that enable people to reduce environmental impact and build more sustainable systems. These skills aren’t limited to renewable energy or conservation work — they now span every sector, from law to logistics to design. These skills include the ability to reduce waste, think long-term, improve processes, communicate ethically, and include others in decision-making. They are about how you work with people, how you approach problems, and how you consider the wider impact of your actions—whether on the planet, your team, or the community. We can group green skills into three core areas: Technical skills – like energy auditing, waste reduction, or digital tools for environmental monitoring. People skills – such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, and inclusive decision-making. Transformative capacities – the ability to drive change, question the status quo, and embed sustainability into existing systems According to LinkedIn, job postings that require green skills are growing nearly twice as fast as the supply of green talent. And in the UK, almost one-third of all job listings now mention at least one green skill. Green skills in action: what they actually look like Sustainability isn’t reserved for technical roles or environmental experts — it’s woven into how we work across every sector. In admin, it might look like digitising paperwork or reducing printing. In hospitality, it could be helping reduce food waste or suggesting more inclusive service practices. In marketing, it’s ensuring campaigns are truthful, responsible, and free from greenwashing. These are all examples of green skills in action — everyday choices that make workplaces more efficient, ethical, and environmentally aware. But while the need for these skills is growing, not everyone feels equipped to deliver them. Research from UNICEF and Capgemini found that 61% of young people globally believe green skills will open new career opportunities, but only 44% feel they currently have them. Many students and early-career professionals are eager to contribute to sustainability but often don’t see how their interests or degrees fit into this space. For sustainability to be truly inclusive, we need to make these pathways more visible, and show that green skills aren’t just about technical expertise — they’re about mindset, awareness, and the ability to improve systems from wherever you are. Building Green Skills — and Why They’re the Future of Work You don’t need to change careers to start working sustainably. It begins with how you approach your current role. Ask yourself: Where are resources being wasted? Who is impacted by the decisions being made? What could be done more fairly, more efficiently, or more inclusively? These small shifts in awareness are the foundation of green skills — and they’re becoming more than just a “nice to have.” Across sectors, green skills are rapidly becoming a baseline expectation, not a specialist credential. Outside of formal work, there are plenty of ways to grow these skills. Take a short course in carbon literacy, volunteer for a sustainability-focused event, or get involved in a local initiative. These experiences aren’t just good for the planet — they’re real professional development. They demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and a willingness to engage with the world beyond your job description. Sustainability is no longer a fringe topic or a specialist niche. It’s a strategic priority for organisations dealing with net-zero targets, shifting regulations, and growing expectations from employees and consumers alike. And it’s not just about grand gestures — it’s about practical choices. Whether you’re refining a spreadsheet, managing an event, or improving team processes, you’re contributing to a culture of sustainability. Sustainability isn’t just for scientists. It’s for people who care. And that includes you — starting with whatever work is in front of you right now. ARU Temps Afrika Priestley Young people are concerned they lack the green skills to effectively act on climate change - Capgemini Canada - English Sustainability Skills & Knowledge Vital to Every Job | UKGBC What Are Green Jobs And Green Skills? Green Skills What are green skills and why are they essential for the future workforce? - News What is the green skills gap (and why does it matter)? - University of the Built Environment What are green skills? | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia