Green skills, an integral part of the sustainable workforce, encompass a diverse range of competencies, knowledge, and expertise. They are crucial in our rapidly changing world as we grapple with the environmental challenges. According to a recent report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), green jobs are projected to grow by at least 15% annually, highlighting the increasing significance of green skills in the job market. By implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change could create a net gain of 18 million jobs by 2030

Why Green Skills Are Vital

Research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) underscores the vital role green skills play in combating climate change and preserving our environment. With 94% of the world’s workforce living in areas with poor air quality, green skills are essential for addressing this global health crisis. They are not just a nice-to-have but a necessity. Green skills can also lead to fulfilling and impactful career path. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, professionals with expertise in green skills are more likely to find meaningful employment in industries dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation.

What is your definition?

One of the exciting yet challenging aspects of green skills is that they mean different things to different people. There are many organisations at this pivotal point focused on the development of Green Skills Taxonomies to ensure there is greater understanding, exchange, recognition and inclusivity for future learning and opportunities so no one is left behind.

Building a Green Skills Taxonomy

The creation is a structured process that involves categorising and organising various green skills and competencies into a comprehensive framework. This taxonomy is essential for understanding, developing, and promoting green skills within the context of sustainable development.

Here are some key steps to support this process;

1. Clearly define the purpose of the Green Skills Taxonomy; Are you creating it for a specific industry, organisation, or a broader context?
2. Conduct extensive research on Green Skills: Consult academic studies, industry reports, government publications, and expert opinions to compile a comprehensive list of relevant skills.
3. Group similar skills and competencies into categories: Consider creating high-level categories that encompass broad areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, green building, and more. Further subdivide each high-level category into more specific subcategories. For example, within the renewable energy category, you can have subcategories for solar energy, wind energy, and hydroelectric power.
4. Define Specific Skills and Proficiency: Within each subcategory, list the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required. Consider including levels of proficiency or expertise for each skill, such as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This helps in assessing and developing skills more effectively.
5. Incorporate Emerging Green Trends: Keep your taxonomy dynamic by including emerging green skills and technologies. Green industries are constantly evolving, so regularly update your taxonomy to reflect current trends.
6. Validation and Review: Collaborate with experts, industry professionals, and educators to validate and refine your taxonomy. Their insights can help ensure that the skills and categories are accurate and up-to-date.
7. Skills Mapping: Create a well-structured digital resource tool that outlines the Green Skills Taxonomy. Make it easily accessible to those who need it, such as policymakers, educators, and individuals seeking to develop green skills.
8. Promotion, Implementation, Feedback and Revision:Actively promote the use of the Green Skills Taxonomy through a Green Skills Platform to support democratised access to learning and working. Ensuring a feedback mechanism is in place for suggested updates and improvements to the green taxonomy.

Recognising that the Green Skills Taxonomy is real time skills data and should be continually revised and improved to reflect the evolving needs of the green economy is key. It will be a valuable resource for promoting and developing green skills in a rapidly changing world focused on environmental sustainability.

Bridging the Green Skills Gap

The Green Skills Taxonomy plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and industry in the context of environmental sustainability and the green economy. It helps educational institutions understand the specific skills and knowledge that industries require in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible economy. This alignment ensures that students are better prepared for the job market. Educators can develop curriculum and training programs that are directly relevant to the needs of green industries. This ensures that students are equipped with the right skills, making them more attractive to employers. Having a standardised set of green skills and competencies defined by the taxonomy helps in creating a common language between academia and industry. This makes it easier for employers to understand what a candidate brings to the table and for educational institutions to meet industry expectations. As the world shifts towards greener practices, there is a growing demand for workers with expertise in sustainability, renewable energy, conservation, and related fields. The Green Skills Taxonomy helps identify where the gaps in the labour market exist and allows educational institutions to tailor their programs to address these gaps.

Fostering Green Innovation

Green skills are often at the forefront of technological and environmental innovations. By ensuring that educational programs reflect these skills, we encourage the development of new ideas, technologies, and approaches that can drive sustainability and economic growth. A workforce equipped with green skills is vital for the growth of green industries and the overall sustainability of the economy. This ensures that a nation is better positioned for long-term economic success. In a global economy increasingly focused on environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, a workforce with green skills is more competitive. Countries that invest in green education and align it with industry needs can attract green investments and businesses, leading to job creation and economic prosperity.