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Research from EY will make concerning reading for net zero planners and sustainability professionals, with its latest report finding that 35% of sustainability leaders said difficulty hiring talent with climate change skills is a barrier to Net Zero[i].
The study, which surveyed 506 global Chief Sustainability Officers (or equivalents) from businesses with £1 billion-plus in annual revenues, was initially released last November. However, this most recent cut of EY’s data looks specifically at the UK and highlights the concerns of sustainability leaders at some of the country’s biggest companies.
When asking survey respondents to name the greatest barriers in reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the study found that over a third of UK leaders (35%) said that difficulty in hiring talent with climate change skills is one of their biggest external challenges, this is compared to just 28% when looking at responses globally. A further 33% of UK respondents believe that a lack of board-level climate expertise is a barrier to reaching Net Zero targets, highlighting an issue with a green skills gap at senior level. In fact, almost a third (30%) stated that they feel difficulty in retaining or upskilling green talent represents a major internal barrier to addressing climate change.
Source: ZCA referencing EY data
Rob Doepel, EY UK&I’s Managing Partner for Sustainability, said in a press release: “As our economy transitions towards Net Zero, demand for employees with sustainability expertise will only rise across industries, from engineers with the skillset to decarbonise heat, power and transport, to financial services personnel who understand how to accurately assess and price risk for new forms of environmental assets. However, businesses are also recognising that environmental expertise at a leadership level could make the difference to whether their company thrives or flounders in the new green economy. While many remain confident in reaching their targets, there is an underlying concern that a lack of sustainability expertise, particularly at a leadership level, could stall business Net Zero ambitions.”[ii]
Notably, EY’s data reveals that half (50%) of UK respondents say their organisation is in the process of appointing new employees or retraining their existing workforce to address the skills shortage.
In our upcoming research set to launch this summer, Zero Carbon Academy will explore the growing concern around a global green skills shortage. The so-called ‘Gen-Z’ demographic (those born between 1997 and 2012 and so presently aged between 10-26[iii]) is set to make up 30% of the workforce by 2030[iv]. Crucially, younger people see environmental challenges as a pressing concern: of those aged 18 or under, “Nearly 70% are likely to think that climate change is a worldwide emergency”,[v] and other studies suggest that so-termed "eco-anxiety" is rising, especially amongst young people. Over 50% of this group reported feeling depressed, frightened, furious, helpless, guilty, and powerless over climate change, according to 2021 research of 10,000 teenagers from 10 countries. Another 45% claimed that their feelings had a negative impact on their daily lives[vi].
Gen-Z themselves are found to be particularly eco-conscious regarding the workplace when compared with other generations- In 2018, a Deloitte survey found that 77% of Gen-Z respondents want their employers’ values to align with their own. Further to this, a recent Bupa survey of 18–22 year-olds found that 64% think it’s important that where they work is climate-conscious, and 59% also said that this would make them more likely to stay in a job[viii].
Our new research will analyse current Gen-Z attitudes towards the workplace, including results from our recent survey of Gen-Z individuals; the research will also be supported by market forecasts looking at the green skills gap. Finally, the research will summarise our key findings and explore potential solutions for employers as they seek to attract green talent over the coming months and years.
Register you interest via the form below to be notified as soon as this research launches.
[i] UK CSOs warn of scarcity of sustainability talent | EY UK
[ii] UK CSOs warn of scarcity of sustainability talent | EY UK
[iii] What We Know About Gen Z So Far | Pew Research Center
[iv] Gen Z In The Workplace: How Should Companies Adapt? – Imagine | Johns Hopkins University (jhu.edu)
[v] The Peoples' Climate Vote | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)
[vi] The Peoples' Climate Vote | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)
[viii] Gen Z seek ethical workplaces as environ-mental health burden bites | Bupa.com
We have an upcoming report on Gen-Z. To learn more about this, please register your interest using this form.
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
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