Millions of sustainability jobs are available to people with the right skills. The problem: Many don't have them, especially women.

The global green transition is expected to generate millions of new jobs, but there is a shortage of workers with the necessary skills, according to a LinkedIn analysis. The gap in "green" skills, such as carbon emissions measurement and renewable energy projects, is especially pronounced among women, with only 1 in 8 workers having these skills. Despite the higher demand for workers with green skills, many jobs in this field require prior experience, making it challenging for individuals to enter this growing sector.

To address this skills gap, employers are urged to connect their environmental goals with workforce development and invest in targeted talent development. Additionally, individuals with skills related to project management, sales, or customer support may find opportunities in green industries. Furthermore, targeted outreach and support services, such as childcare, are recommended to encourage women's participation in trades like construction and electrical work.

While there are some positive trends, such as increasing female participation in the green talent pool and a greater likelihood for women to possess skills related to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices, the pace of change is not sufficient to close the skills gap. Nonetheless, there is optimism surrounding the increased awareness of the issue among both climate and labor experts, indicating a growing recognition of the need to address the intersection of environmental and workforce challenges.