Happy Earth Month: Data shows upskilling and green talent can help achieve net zero

This article is written by Nik Brown of iAM Learning. iAM Learning is a valuable course publisher on OpenSesame that offers bite-sized animated eLearning that helps upskill employees in minutes.

In a world where the effects of climate change are increasingly being felt, sustainability is certainly top of mind. According to LinkedIn data, demand for ‘green’ talent is up 11.6%, which has outstripped supply (5.6%) in just one year (2023-2024).

The skills gap is real

Despite growing demand, there’s a real shortage of green talent. That’s where you come in. Upskilling your workforce in areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy is essential to meeting net-zero goals—and attracting sustainability-minded talent.

Green skills are in demand — is your workforce ready?

As climate change accelerates, the push for sustainability is reshaping the workforce. HR and L&D leaders play a crucial role in preparing teams with the green skills needed for the future. Globally, job seekers with sustainability training see a 54.6% higher hiring rate than average. The demand for these green skills has risen incredibly, and for good reason.

What are green skills?

The United Nations defines green skills as the knowledge and abilities to support a sustainable, resource-efficient society. They span four main areas:

• Monitoring & compliance – environmental inspectors, legal assistants
• Engineering & tech – renewable energy design, eco-construction
• Operations & management – sustainability officers, climate analysts
• Science & innovation – research-based roles driving green solutions

Why ESG Matters to in the Workplace

• 90% of companies plan to increase their ESG investments over the next three years, with 38% focusing on employee training and education (KPMG survey)
• 75% of HR executives believe ESG strategies enhance employee engagement, and 60% say that these strategies positively affect retention (SHRM)
• 75% of business leaders consider ESG criteria to be important or very important to their business strategy (2024 Capital Group Survey)

eLearning Can Bridge the Gap

Modern online training offers fast, flexible ways to upskill teams in ESG and sustainability. Courses cover topics like:

• Energy and emissions reduction
• Waste management and recycling
• Corporate social responsibility
• Sustainability practices for schools and workplaces

As a learning leader, you have the power to drive meaningful change—developing a workforce that’s not only future-ready but also purpose-driven.

Explore ESG & Sustainability training and lead your organization toward a greener future.

Nik Brown, Head of Sales and Partnerships at iAM Learning

With a career background spanning LMS, Content Intelligence, Content Marketplaces and Content creation, Nik has a wide understanding of the L&D landscape. Currently Head of Sales & Partnerships at iAM Learning, his passion revolves around helping companies develop their L&D function and engender a culture of learning. Nik possesses extensive knowledge and experience within the Learning & Development (L&D) sector, having developed his expertise through a diverse career path encompassing Learning Management Systems (LMS), Content Intelligence, Content Marketplaces, and Content creation.