Youth Climate Anxiety Rising Globally, but Green Skills Gap Threatens Future Jobs: Capgemini–UNICEF Report

Team L&M

A new report by the Capgemini Research Institute in collaboration with UNICEF Generation Unlimited titled “Youth perspectives on climate: Preparing for a sustainable future” highlights a growing paradox among young people worldwide—rising climate anxiety alongside strong optimism and ambition for green careers.

The study explores how youth perceive the climate crisis, their readiness for “green skilling,” and their aspirations for sustainable employment. It also examines how governments and businesses can work with young people to strengthen climate action and build future-ready skills.

High Climate Anxiety, but Strong Optimism

The report finds that while climate anxiety is increasing globally, most young people still believe there is time to address the climate crisis.

• Over two-thirds of youth globally are concerned about climate change impacts on their future.
• This reflects an increase from 2023, when 57% reported eco-anxiety.
• Youth in the Global North (76%) report higher anxiety than those in the Global South (65%).
• Urban youth (72%) are more concerned than rural youth (58%).

Despite this, most respondents remain hopeful and engaged, with many eager to shape environmental policy and contribute to solutions.

Growing Demand for Green Jobs and Skills

The report highlights strong interest in sustainability-linked careers:

• 61% of youth believe green skills will create better job opportunities.
• 53% globally are interested in pursuing green jobs.
• In the Global North, interest rises to 64%.

Sarika Naik, Group Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Capgemini, noted that young people are “eager to be part of the solution,” but require stronger support systems to convert ambition into action through green skills development.

Critical Green Skills Gap Emerging

Despite enthusiasm, a significant skills gap persists.

According to the report:

• Only 44% of youth globally believe they currently have the green skills needed for the workforce.
• Rural youth lag further behind urban peers.
• In the Global South, disparities are stark—while around 60% of Brazilian youth feel equipped, only 5% of Ethiopian youth say the same.

Green competency, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, requires scientific understanding, climate awareness, environmental responsibility, and practical sustainability skills.

However, knowledge gaps remain wide, particularly in areas such as climate technology, sustainable design, and data-driven environmental solutions.

Declining Awareness in Some Regions

The report also highlights regression in parts of the Global North:

Among youth in countries like Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US, awareness is declining in key areas such as:

• Sustainable energy
• Sustainable transportation
• Sustainable design

While recycling and waste management remain the most common “green skills,” deeper sustainability knowledge is uneven and often declining.

Youth Want Influence—but Feel Unheard

A strong generational divide persists:

• 71% of youth believe they should influence environmental policy.
• Nearly two-thirds want direct engagement with local leaders.
• However, fewer than half feel their voices are actually heard.

This gap highlights a disconnect between youth ambition and institutional response.

Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO of UNICEF Generation Unlimited, emphasized that young people are already “designing and deploying innovative climate solutions,” but need better access to skills, opportunities, and platforms.

Call for Action: Education, Policy, and Industry Collaboration

The report urges coordinated action across governments, education systems, and industry:

• Integrate green education into mainstream learning
• Expand access to climate-focused training
• Create structured pathways to green employment
• Involve youth in CSR and ESG decision-making
• Invest in youth-led climate innovation

Initiatives like Green Rising, led by Generation Unlimited at UNICEF, aim to support 20 million young people by 2026 through volunteering, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and paid opportunities in climate action.

A Generation Ready—but Underserved

The findings present a clear message: young people are not only aware of the climate crisis but are ready to act. However, without targeted investment in green skills and meaningful inclusion in decision-making, their potential remains underutilised.

The future of climate action may already be in motion—but it depends on whether institutions can close the gap between awareness and capability.