Green Skills Demand to Soar 50% by 2030 with Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it’s a defining force shaping the future of business. For Australian SMEs, the global transition towards sustainability presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that climate change mitigation and adaptation are among the top trends expected to transform business by 2030, with nearly half of employers surveyed anticipating direct impacts on their operations.

The green transition is already creating strong demand for specialised roles such as renewable energy engineers, environmental specialists, and electric vehicle technicians. However, the shift is not limited to technical positions—there’s also growing emphasis on environmental stewardship, which has entered the top 10 fastest-growing skills for the first time. For SMEs, embedding sustainability into their business model is becoming a necessity, not a differentiator.

Adapting to the green economy requires building capabilities across areas such as:

• Sustainable operations: SMEs must explore ways to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adopt circular economy practices.

• Green compliance and reporting: With evolving regulations and ESG expectations, understanding sustainability standards will be essential.

• Leadership and social influence: Businesses that can communicate their sustainability efforts effectively will gain trust and attract customers and talent alike.

Importantly, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability remain crucial human skills in managing the uncertainties of the green transition. The report underscores that 59% of the global workforce will need retraining by 2030, with many transitioning into new roles within their organisations.

For SMEs, the path forward involves proactive investment in green skills development—whether through training, partnerships with sustainability consultants, or engaging with government-backed initiatives like the Australian Government’s Net Zero Plan. Those that act early will be best positioned to thrive in a low-carbon economy, while contributing meaningfully to Australia’s climate goals.

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