The job landscape is shifting rapidly, influenced by the accelerated adoption of AI, digital technologies, and clean energy initiatives.
LinkedIn’s research indicates a significant transformation in job skills, with a 25% change over the past eight years, anticipated to rise to 65% by 2030, largely driven by AI advancements.
LinkedIn’s 2024 Jobs on the Rise List
LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” list for 2024 spotlights the 25 fastest-growing roles over the last five years. Unsurprisingly, jobs in technology (like AI and cybersecurity) and sustainability are leading the charge in both Europe and the US.
Interestingly, 68% of these roles didn’t exist two decades ago, including titles like Environmental Health Safety Manager and Sustainability Analyst.
Demand for Sustainability Professionals
Growing Importance in the US
In the US, three of the top 10 fastest-growing jobs of 2024 are sustainability-focused, including Environmental Health Safety Manager, Sustainability Analyst, and Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion.
Deidre Osei from Mattel underscores the increasing corporate emphasis on environmental issues and diversity, indicating a positive shift in business priorities towards sustainable and ethical practices.
Europe’s Progressive Stance
In Europe, sustainability roles feature prominently, with the Sustainability Analyst being the top job in Sweden and similar trends seen in other countries.
Germany, aiming for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, sees the role of Sustainability Manager as its fastest-growing job, a trend also observed in the UK and Spain. Notably, LinkedIn data shows a higher proportion of women in these roles.
Key Sustainability Roles
Environmental Health Safety Manager
This role focuses on creating a safe, sustainable workplace, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Sustainability Analyst
Professionals in this role analyze and report on the company’s environmental impact and develop strategies for more sustainable operations.
Sustainability Manager
This position involves overseeing environmental and sustainability strategies, assessing environmental impacts, and implementing carbon-footprinting and corporate sustainability measures.
Vice-President of Diversity and Inclusion
This role is critical in fostering inclusive workplaces and is particularly in demand in cities like NYC, Washington DC, and Chicago.
Challenges in Green Economy Hiring
Insights from the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum’s report highlights the rapid growth in technology and sustainability roles. However, industries face varying impacts, with some sectors, like steel manufacturing in the UK, experiencing job cuts due to green energy transitions.
The Green Skills Gap
While the green transition is expected to create net-positive job growth, there is a noticeable skills gap. Green job postings are outpacing the availability of green talent. Bridging this gap is crucial and requires collaborative efforts from governments, educational institutions, and the private sector. Ignacio Galán of Iberdrola emphasizes the necessity of equipping people with relevant skills to realize the benefits of this transition.
Conclusion
The sustainability job market is booming, driven by corporate ESG efforts and societal shifts towards greener practices. Despite challenges like the green skills gap, the overall trend points towards a sustainable future with diverse and inclusive workplaces.
The importance of adapting to these changes and developing necessary skills cannot be overstated in navigating this evolving job landscape.
