26-06-2025
Youth need new skills and support to fight the climate crisis
Young people are most at risk from climate change and eager to respond. But they need the right skills and support to shape a sustainable future
Younger generations want careers to match their values. In fact, 53% of people aged 16 to 24 say they are keen to work in jobs that help the environment. That's more than 600m people stepping up to shape a sustainable tomorrow.
The insight comes from Capgemini's recent report, Youth perspectives on climate: preparing for a sustainable future, co-developed with Unicef's Generation Unlimited. It is based on a comprehensive survey of 5,100 youth across 21 countries, spanning global regions and various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Optimistic and eager to get involved, this generation represents a force for decisive action. However, there's a gap between motivation and ability. While the majority of youths believe that green skills are essential and will lead to career opportunities, most of them feel ill-equipped to lead the sustainable transition. Seeking future-ready skills
Although knowledgeable in some areas, younger generations are less confident in disciplines such as climate technologies, data analysis and sustainable design. Only 44% feel equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a green workforce. And there is an unequal access to resources and opportunities across the global north and global south. This inequity and lack of skill-building is holding us all back.
This survey also revealed that young people are increasingly worried about the future of our planet. Back in 2023, 57% of them reported 'eco-anxiety' – one year later, this number jumped to 67%. Yet, despite this anxiety, almost three-quarters believe there is still time to address climate change. Advancing education on sustainability
As young people prepare to step up and help to shape a sustainable tomorrow, businesses and governments need to support them from early on through robust education.
Existing education initiatives on sustainability can be democratised and deepened. Integrating sustainability into core educational curriculums as a formal subject can ensure a unified approach and support educators in strengthening their own ability to teach key skills. Investing in this kind of teacher training is particularly important in local programmes and underserved communities.
Brazil is leading in sustainability education – in 2024, their National Environment Education Policy officially recognised climate change and biodiversity protection as formal subjects. Brazil aims to have fully implemented a nation-wide climate curriculum by the end of 2025.
Education can extend beyond the classroom and into the workforce. In 2022, Capgemini launched its Sustainability Campus to facilitate learning and development in this vital area. Accessible to all 340,000 employees, the programme offers specialised training for key roles, as well as industry-specific training modules and deep-dives on crucial topics. Since September 2024, the Global Awareness Module, the introductory course, has been made mandatory for all Capgemini employees. Opening avenues to green employment
Policymakers can also pair national climate goals with robust youth employment strategies. Different types of work-based pathways exist, from training to employment – such as green entrepreneurship, youth-led sustainability projects, apprenticeships and volunteerism. Beyond simply offering these options, policymakers can further incentivise them, enabling youth to align their values with their economic needs.
Initiatives such as Green Rising are leading the way in sustainability innovation for young people. This global movement helps young people take grassroots action to build a clean and healthy environment through volunteerism, advocacy, skills, jobs and entrepreneurship. It's led by Unicef Generation Unlimited and supported by public-private youth partners, of which we're proud to have been among the first. Capgemini CEO Aiman Ezzat even joined the board of Generation Unlimited in 2024. Engaging young people in decision-making
If young people feel business and political leaders are not taking enough action on the climate crisis, they may disengage altogether. By intentionally and meaningfully including young people in decision-making, leaders are better positioned to gain their trust. With their trust comes young people's drive, fresh ideas and action.
Options could include formally embedding young people in climate policymaking and corporate strategy development through youth councils and structured feedback mechanisms. Solidarity across generations Sarika Naik. Photograph: PR
Today's young people are taking action for their future in the shadow of climate change. All generations share the responsibility to support them – let's step up to the plate together, and build a future where young people are empowered to drive a better future. This content is paid for and supplied by the advertiser. Find out more with our
