While most young people around the world want to work in climate-related jobs, fewer than half feel they have the skills to do so.
So says a new global report by Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited.
The report, Youth perspectives on climate: Preparing for a sustainable future, shows that 61% of 16–24-year-olds globally believe green skills will open up new job opportunities. However, only 44% feel equipped with the necessary skills for today’s green workforce.
“Young people across the globe, and in particular in the US, are hyperaware of the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It’s clear that they are also eager to be part of the solution,” said Sarika Naik, Capgemini’s Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer. “We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills.”
The research identifies significant regional and demographic disparities.
In the Global South, young Brazilians report the highest levels of green skill confidence, while just 5% of Ethiopian youth feel prepared.
A rural-urban gap is also evident, with young people in rural areas reporting lower access to green education and training.
Youth in the Global North show signs of regression.
Since Capgemini’s 2023 research, knowledge of key areas such as sustainable design, energy and transport has declined among 16–18-year-olds in countries like Australia, the UK, and Germany.
Green Rising, an initiative led by Generation Unlimited, aims to reverse this trend by supporting 20 million young people with green skill development and climate action opportunities by 2026.
“Young people are architecting climate solutions,” said Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO of Generation Unlimited. “Green rising is supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need.”
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