UK Gen Z Shows Greater Confidence in Green Skills Compared to Global Counterparts, Survey Reveals

20 May UK Gen Z Shows Greater Confidence in Green Skills Compared to Global Counterparts, Survey Reveals

A new survey presented by Capgemini and UNICEF suggests that two-thirds of Gen Z in the UK believe they possess the necessary green skills for today’s job market, significantly higher than the global average of 44%. The survey, delivered to over 5,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 24, representing part of the Green Rising Initiative, a collaborative effort between Capgemini and UNICEF, was launched in 2023. The programme intends to present 20 million young people with green skills and employment opportunities by 2026.

Generating Concern, But Also Hope

The research explored young people’s opinions on climate change and its associated social and economic impacts. A large majority, over 70% of respondents from urban and suburban regions, voiced their concerns about how environmental challenges could influence their futures. In contrast to rural groups, this figure declined to 58%. Despite their concerns, most young people remain optimistic that meaningful changes are possible.

Many also see employment as a path to creating a positive impact. In the Global North, 64% are interested in green jobs—roles that help restore nature, cut emissions and pollution, or promote sustainable resource use. This interest is also strong in the Global South, at 53% and especially high in countries like Australia, Poland, and Turkey, where over 70% of youth aspire to join the green economy.

The differences in confidence globally

While enthusiasm for green careers is widespread, confidence in being workforce-ready is uneven. Globally, less than half of the respondents believe they have the necessary green skills. Confidence is at its lowest in countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa, especially in areas like data analysis and clean technologies.

By contrast, the younger generation in the UK, Australia, and Poland reports the highest confidence. In the UK, over 60% feel prepared for green jobs; in Australia and Poland, that number rises to three-quarters.

However, gaps continue to remain even in the Global North. Many young people lack education around topics such as sustainable design, the energy transition, and environmental policy.

Sarika Naik, Capgemini’s Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, emphasised the need for targeted investment, stating that we must help young people turn their passion into action. Naik believes that this research highlights a critical need for collaboration across business, government, and education to reduce the skills gap and deliver pathways to impactful green careers.

Taking positive steps forward

To address these challenges, the report outlines several recommendations:

For employers:

• Co-create green job pathways with youth.
• Provide support for young people entering the green workforce within five years of employment.
• Fund or back local green skills initiatives.
• Involve youth in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) strategy development.
• Invest in youth-led climate solutions and entrepreneurship.
• Encourage staff to engage in volunteerism.

For policymakers:

• Align youth employment and education with climate policy.
• Embed green skills in school and university curricula.
• Involve young voices in decision-making.
• Expand access to green learning, especially in the Global South.