Our thinking

Global youth survey on green skills

23 May, 2025

A recent global survey by Capgemini and UNICEF reveals a generation ready and raring to lead the green transition but in need of the skills to do so.  

Globally, 53% of young people want green jobs, 70% want to shape climate policy, and 72% believe there’s still time to act on climate change. Yet only 27% feel their education equips them with the necessary skills, from technical expertise like renewable energy installation and sustainable agriculture, to softer skills like project management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. 

The picture is rosier closer to home. In the UK, two-thirds of young people feel confident they already have green skills to succeed in today’s green workforce, higher than most global peers. However, only 45% believe developing green skills will open new career opportunities, the lowest in the global north. Barriers like a lack of green jobs, unclear career paths, and underinvestment in sustainable sectors persist. Meanwhile, six in ten UK youth feel businesses and governments aren’t doing enough on climate – a clear call to action. 

UK businesses have a unique opportunity to not only close the skills gap but also create clear pathways into sustainability careers, harnessing the optimism and ambition of young people. This involves offering tangible pathways like apprenticeships, internships, and entry-level roles that promote career development. It’s also crucial to broaden the definition of “sustainability jobs” to include roles like supply chain managers and operations directors, where sustainability plays a key part, even if those roles don’t initially appear “green.” To fully tap into youth potential, the most ambitious businesses could invite young voices into sustainability discussions, giving them a real role in shaping strategies and driving innovation. Whitney Houston said it best – ‘the children are our future’.

By Budd Nicholson