UNEVOC Connect

Green skills can be defined as the skills needed by the workforce, in all sectors and at all levels, in order to help the adaptation of the products, services and processes to the changes due to climate change and to environmental requirements and regulations.

In essence, green skills are about both (i) technical knowledge and skills that enable professionals to effectively use green technologies and processes (i.e. resource efficient technologies or processes that reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of human action); and (ii) transversal skills, as well as knowledge, values and attitudes that help them take pro-environmental decisions in their work and lives. These overall green skills are already being introduced in training systems globally.

See also: Skills for the green transition

(Skills for the green economy)

Knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live, work and act in economies and societies seeking to reduce the impact of human activity on the environment.

Comment

Skills for the green economy consist of:

• transversal skills, linked to sustainable thinking and acting, relevant to all economic sectors and occupations;
• specific skills, required to adapt or implement standards, processes and services to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, and to reduce energy, materials and water consumption;
• highly specialised skills, required to develop and implement green technologies such as renewable energies, sewage treatment or recycling;

The skills individuals need to transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, participate in traditional green sector jobs, adopt more sustainable behaviors, adapt to the impacts of climate change and take action on climate justice.

Technical skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed in the workforce to develop and support sustainable social, economic and environmental outcomes in business, industry and the community.

Abilities needed to live in, develop and support a society which aims to reduce the negative impact of human activity on the environment.