As the world grapples with the intensifying impacts of climate change, young people are emerging as vocal advocates for urgent action. However, a growing number of youth, both in India and globally, are expressing deep concern that they lack the necessary green skills to make a meaningful impact on climate action and to secure future employment in a rapidly evolving green economy.
Green skills refer to the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society. These skills are crucial not only for environmental conservation but also for creating new job opportunities and fostering innovation in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and environmental protection. As the demand for green jobs rises, the ability to adapt to and drive sustainable practices is becoming a key requirement for the workforce of tomorrow.
The Growing Green Skills Gap Among Youth
A recent international report by the Capgemini Research Institute, in partnership with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, has brought this issue into sharp focus. According to the report, over two-thirds of youth globally are concerned about how climate change will affect their future, a figure that has increased since 2023. The concern is especially pronounced among youth in urban and suburban areas, where 72% express worry, compared to 58% in rural regions. In India, this anxiety is even more acute, with many young people feeling ill-equipped for the green transition.
Despite this anxiety, there is a strong sense of hope and determination among the youth. Most believe it is still possible to address climate challenges, and 61% agree that developing green skills will open up new career opportunities. However, less than half of young people (44%) feel they possess the skills needed for today’s green jobs. The report highlights a significant gap in green skills, particularly in areas like sustainable design, climate technologies, and data analysis. While recycling and waste reduction are the most common green skills among youth in both the Global North and South, knowledge in more advanced areas has declined since 2023. In countries like Ethiopia, only about 5% of youth feel equipped with green skills, while the figure is around 60% for Brazilian youth.
This skills gap is not just a matter of individual preparedness but has wider implications for national and global efforts to combat climate change. The International Labour Organization estimates that a successful green transition could create 8.4 million jobs for young people by 2030. Yet, if current trends continue, more than 60% of youth may lack the skills required to thrive in the green economy by that time. In India, the potential is even greater, with projections suggesting up to 35 million green jobs could be created by 2047, provided the right skills ecosystem is in place.
The Capgemini-UNICEF report also finds that more than half of young people globally, and nearly two-thirds in developed countries, are interested in pursuing green jobs that align with their climate-conscious values. They also want a greater say in environmental policy, with 71% agreeing that youth should have strong influence over legislation. However, many feel that their voices are not being heard by community leaders, and that business and political leaders need to do more to support climate action.
Barriers to Acquiring Green Skills
The reasons behind the green skills gap are varied. Rapid technological advancements, insufficient integration of sustainability into mainstream education, and a lack of awareness about green career pathways all contribute to the problem. Many young people are passionate about sustainability and want to work for organisations committed to tackling climate change, but they are unsure how to turn this passion into practical action or employment.
Steps Towards Bridging the Green Skills Divide
Efforts are underway to address these challenges. In India, initiatives like the Green Skill Development Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change aim to equip youth with practical skills for green jobs. Organisations such as ChildFund India and Quest Alliance are also promoting green skills through vocational training, awareness programmes, and partnerships with educational institutions. Globally, the United Nations and other agencies are calling for greater investment in youth capacity-building and the integration of green skills into education and employment policies. Initiatives like Green Rising, led by Generation Unlimited and supported by Capgemini, aim to support 20 million young people by 2026 through volunteerism, advocacy, paid work, and entrepreneurship in the green sector.
Sarika Naik, Capgemini’s Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, emphasised the need for collective action: “We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills. This report shows how critical it is that business, governments, and education leaders work together to bridge the skills gap, empower youth voices, and create pathways to meaningful green careers”.
Technology is playing a vital role in bridging the skills gap, offering online courses, mobile applications, and virtual learning platforms that make green education more accessible. However, experts stress that a collective effort is needed, involving governments, educational institutions, employers, and civil society, to ensure that every young person is equipped to contribute to a sustainable future.
