A new report has found that although young people are optimistic about addressing climate change, most feel they lack the green skills needed to take meaningful action.
The report by the Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, Youth Perspectives on Climate: Preparing for a Sustainable Future, draws on global research among 16–24-year-olds and explores how they view their role in tackling the climate crisis. It finds that 61% of young people believe developing green skills will create new career opportunities. However, only 44% feel equipped with the skills needed in today’s green workforce.
This gap is especially pronounced between the Global North and Global South. In Brazil, around six in ten young people say they possess green skills, while in Ethiopia only 5% feel the same. The divide is also apparent between urban and rural areas, with rural youth consistently reporting lower confidence in their skills and access to training.
Despite these gaps, most young people want to be involved in climate solutions. In the Global North, 64% express an interest in green jobs compared with 53% globally. There is also a clear demand for a stronger voice in environmental policy, with 71% of youth globally saying they should have more influence over climate legislation.
Youth Climate Anxiety Persists Alongside Career Ambitions
The findings highlight increasing concern among young people about the long-term effects of climate change. Around 70% say they are worried about how it will impact their future, up from 57% in a 2023 UNICEF survey. The highest levels of climate-related anxiety are reported by young people in the Global North (76%) compared to those in the Global South (65%).
A notable divide also exists between urban and rural populations. In suburban and urban areas, 72% of youth report concern about climate change’s impact on their future, compared to 58% in rural regions.
Despite the anxiety, many are determined to act. Young people want jobs that align with their environmental values and see green careers as a viable path forward. However, the report reveals that the necessary training and education remain unevenly distributed and insufficient.
“Green Rising, with its ecosystem of public and private sector partners, is supporting young people with the skills and opportunities they need to take climate action, start green companies, access green jobs and power green solutions,” said Dr Kevin Frey, CEO of Generation Unlimited at UNICEF.
Skills and Education Remain a Barrier to a Just Green Transition
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development defines environmental competency as requiring scientific knowledge, climate understanding, environmental commitment and the motivation to act sustainably. However, Capgemini’s report shows that most youth do not meet these criteria.
Knowledge of key green skills, such as sustainable design and energy systems, has declined since 2023 among youth aged 16 to 18 in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan and the US. In both the Global North and Global South, recycling and waste reduction remains the most common green skill. In contrast, areas such as climate technologies, sustainable transport and data analysis are poorly understood.
Sarika Naik, Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini, said, “We need to help young people turn their passion into impact by investing in green skills. This report shows how critical it is that business, government and education leaders work together to bridge the skills gap, empower youth voices and create pathways to meaningful green careers.”
Bridging the Generational Divide in Climate Action
While young people are eager to be part of climate policymaking, many feel ignored by decision-makers. Two-thirds of youth say they are willing to engage with local leaders on environmental issues, but fewer than half believe those leaders are listening.
The report recommends that business and political leaders take action by embedding young voices in sustainability strategies, co-creating green job pathways and investing in education and training programmes. Community leaders are also encouraged to support youth-led initiatives and integrate green learning into wider employment and climate plans.
