WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 Highlights that Green Transition is a Major Driver of Job Growth

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  • Technological Shifts: Digital access, AI, and automation are projected to reshape 60% of businesses by 2030, driving demand for tech-related roles and skills like AI, big data, and cybersecurity.
  • Green Transition: Climate change mitigation and adaptation are expected to fuel growth in renewable energy and sustainability roles, with 47% of employers planning climate-related transformations.
  • Workforce Evolution: Reskilling remains critical as 39% of current skills may become outdated by 2030, with 85% of employers prioritizing workforce upskilling initiatives.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 outlines how macrotrends, including technological advancements, economic shifts, and climate priorities, will reshape the labor market by 2030. The report, based on insights from over 1,000 global employers representing 14 million workers across 22 industries, highlights the urgency of workforce transformation and emerging job opportunities.

1. Technological Drivers:

Digital access and AI are expected to have the most significant impact, with 60% of employers anticipating technology-related changes. Key growth areas include:

  • AI and Machine Learning Specialists
  • Big Data Analysts
  • Software Developers and Cybersecurity Experts

Businesses need more than compliance; they need tools that empower resilience and innovation,” emphasized James Cronan, Managing Director of ESG Reporting Intelligence.

James Cronan, Managing Director of ESG Reporting Intelligence

2. Green Transition Impact:

Climate-related roles, such as Renewable Energy Engineers and Environmental Specialists, are among the fastest-growing jobs. Employers foresee climate-change mitigation as the third-most transformative trend, driving investments in energy transition and sustainability initiatives.

The report states that roles linked to electric vehicles, energy storage, and environmental stewardship will become pivotal.

Related Article: The Future of Sustainable Jobs: Diverse Predictions and Emerging Trends

3. Workforce Reskilling Needs:

By 2030, 39% of current skills may be outdated, with analytical thinking, resilience, and flexibility emerging as essential competencies. The demand for manual dexterity and physical precision is expected to decline.

Key findings:

  • 85% of employers plan to prioritize employee upskilling.
  • 70% expect to hire for new roles requiring AI and sustainability expertise.
  • 50% aim to transition existing staff into growth areas to avoid layoffs.

Addressing Talent Gaps:

Skill gaps remain the largest barrier to business transformation, with 63% of respondents citing it as a key challenge. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have risen significantly, with 83% of employers reporting active DEI policies.

Future Outlook:

Job creation from 2025 to 2030 is expected to generate 170 million new roles but may be offset by the displacement of 92 million jobs. Sectors like healthcare, education, and technology will see strong growth, while clerical and administrative roles face decline.

The report underscores that balancing economic pressures and technological shifts with sustainability efforts will be crucial for workforce resilience.

To read the Future of Jobs Report 2025, click here.

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