Green Skills, Global Will: ManpowerGroup’s Key Takeaways from Climate Week
We are in a pivotal moment – with advances in AI and transformative changes in the green agenda creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a global, connected, and diverse workforce where everyone feels welcome and is encouraged to learn and grow.
These challenges require collective action to make progress on ambitious progress. That’s why ManpowerGroup’s Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer Ruth Harper joined global business, government, and NGO leaders at Climate Week in New York City to share practical solutions to mitigating climate change – advocating for a People First approach that puts people and skills first.
Following a week of connection, collaboration, and commitment to action, here are ManpowerGroup’s key takeaways:
1. ESG is Evolving – Less Pledges, More Progress
“ESG and sustainability requirements are raising the bar, but the community acknowledges 65-80% of current ESG work is reporting.” – Ruth Harper
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Now is the time to move beyond pledges and create tangible change. Sustainability leaders are ready for ESG to become a driver of innovation and transformation within their organizations. They want sustainability metrics tied directly to business performance. It's about moving from a compliance mindset to one of opportunity and value creation.
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The implementation of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a prime example of this evolution. CSRD is pushing companies to provide more comprehensive, auditable sustainability data, requiring closer collaboration between sustainability teams and finance departments. This directive is not just about compliance; it's an opportunity for companies to gain deeper insights into their operations and drive meaningful change.
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E and S and G, at its best, is truly a cross-functional capability for organizations. It's time to melt organizational silos and empower sustainability teams to drive real impact. This means bringing sustainability experts into strategic decision-making processes while integrating ESG considerations into every aspect of the business; from product development to marketing to operations.
2. Green Skills are the New Gold
“The need for green skills and the talent to drive the green transition is real.” – Ruth Harper
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Many companies are committing to ambitious plans that mean the way we live, work, and spend our leisure time will look dramatically different. This future paints a picture of homes heated by green energy, commutes in electric vehicles, and flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel.
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Old skills can become new skills, often with a mere quarter-turn. To help people see where their skills fit, we have a responsibility to demystify our definition of green skills. 50% of green jobs are just enhanced versions of existing roles. Think of an electrician who now needs to know about energy-efficient materials. Another 46% are jobs that already exist, like solar installers. Only 4% are completely new roles. This transition isn’t just an energy transition; it must be a people and skills transition.
3. Leadership with a Long-term View
“People are seeking governments and businesses who will do more on climate action – it is time to take a long-term view.” – Ruth Harper
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Discussions with Professor Bill Barnett from Stanford University and former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern on sustainable leadership got us thinking about the long game we're playing. More than two-thirds of people want more climate action from their governments. It's a reminder that as leaders, we need to step up and meet this expectation.
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Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact emphasized four key takeaways that are crucial for our path forward:
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Pact for the Future: Unites stakeholders to accelerate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), digital initiatives, and intergenerational commitments.
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Private Sector Role: Businesses drive progress through responsible tech use, youth engagement, and actions on climate, gender, finance, and the environment.
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Partnerships: Cross-sector collaboration is crucial for change; focusing on action, speed, scope, and scale.
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Tangible Outcomes: Shift from commitments to measurable, impactful results.
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“So much to be done. So much talent committed to it. Pledges made, now comes to the practical, pragmatic. Hard stuff.” – Ruth Harper
But we can't do this alone. Here's how you can join us
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Job seekers: Explore green career paths through our Manpower MyPath program. We're committed to ensuring that opportunities in the green economy are accessible to all, regardless of background or current skill set.
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Employers: Reevaluate your workforce through a green lens. Consider how you can upskill and reskill your current employees, ensuring that your entire team can participate in and benefit from the green transition.
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Educators: Integrate sustainability and green skills into curricula at all levels, preparing the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow while emphasizing the importance of an inclusive transition.
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Everyone: Stay informed, engaged, and look for ways to make your daily work more sustainable. Advocate for inclusive practices in your workplace and community that ensure the benefits of a green economy are shared by all.
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We have the power to create meaningful change. It's time to turn climate challenges into opportunities – for workers, for businesses, and for our planet. As we navigate this transition to a net-zero and nature-positive economy, our guiding principle must be to leave no one behind. After all, we're all consumers of this beautiful planet we call home.
Learn more about how ManpowerGroup is making a difference by exploring our latest “Working to Change the World” ESG report.