5 ways to enhance your green skills in 2024
What are green skills?
They are the set of abilities and knowledge required to bring a greener change to workplaces and economies. As governments adopt new sustainability policies for the private sector, the breadth of national and international regulations a company should comply with increases. Therefore, the private sector needs experts and skilled workers in various sustainability-related areas to steer and support existing and upcoming ESG initiatives. Green skills provide an opportunity for both recent graduates and senior staff in all sectors since a just transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy requires systematic and long-term changes throughout value chains and company hierarchies.
Rising demand
From technical expertise in implementing clean energy solutions to reconfiguring any given company’s operations, from the ability to calculate companies’ carbon emissions to the acumen for effective ESG reporting, the demand for green skills is rising in the job market. This was clearly evidenced by LinkedIn’s Green Skills Report 2023. Between February 2022 and February 2023, LinkedIn job postings requiring at least one green skill increased by a median of 15.2%, and individuals with green skills achieved a median hiring rate on LinkedIn 29% higher than the workforce average. Despite the increase in demand, however, only 1 in 8 workers globally currently possess green skills, indicating a significant lag in supply.
If you are passionate about making a robust impact in climate action in 2024, not just by taking small steps like adopting sustainable habits but by helping to decarbonise the economy, here are 6 ways in which you can gain green skills for the benefit of your chosen sphere of influence:
Network with the right people. A famous saying goes, "Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.” Talk to your friends and coworkers already working in sustainability or adjacent careers and roles to learn how they got involved in this work area in the first place. Ask whether they have any suggestions on gaining a specific green skill you are interested in, and do not be afraid to snowball! Ask your peers if they can introduce you to a ‘green’ expert in your field, and ensure you remain in touch with all your new connections.
Consume the right content, whether offline or online. Follow sustainability champions on LinkedIn and relevant influencers on other social media channels. Read climate news from trusted sources regularly to stay ahead of the curve, and read editorial articles to understand critically the developments you see in the headlines. Attend webinars and in-person events if possible; you never know who you might bump into during the coffee break!
Narrow your focus. The list of relevant green skills is endless and holds value for all economic sectors and levels of work. You have the option to specialise and advance in any particular area that catches your attention. Climate change is a global challenge, and climate action has many pillars. Think about why you are passionate about protecting the planet. Are you worried about the impacts of extreme weather events, or are you more interested in innovations in renewable energy technologies? Remember, focusing on multiple disciplines at a given time yields little opportunities for developing the depth of expertise that will allow you to market yourself effectively.
Get hands-on experience. We have numerous calls for volunteers from all over the world for sustainability-related activities and initiatives. Consider seeking out these opportunities to get hands-on experience and learn from your peers. You will be able to take an in-depth look at how sustainability works and practice and demonstrate your green skills, which will tremendously help in your next job application.
Consider investing in your skills. We all know that there is no better investment in self than education. Not all green skills can be taught through neat infographics on social media or peer-to-peer conversations. Learning from the experts with detailed explanations of concepts you are interested in will help you position yourself as an expert in your field. With the advancements in dedicated courses, diplomas, and e-learning opportunities, building a new skill is easier than ever. You can learn from the comfort of your room and fit your learning into your schedule!
Finally, walk the talk. Are you carbon literate? Take our upcoming Carbon Literacy course to learn about the key concepts of climate change, adaptation, and mitigation solutions in the international arena, the UAE, and so much more! Once you complete the course, you will receive an accredited certificate from the Carbon Literacy Project UK to add to your CV, recognising your value as an ambassador of change in your home and workplace.
Want to learn more about how the world is changing for the greener?
Check out The Climate Consultancy’s Carbon Literacy Course to kickstart your learning on climate change, the first step of gaining any green skill!