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Technology is enabling rapid change in today’s workplace, and universities are racing to keep up to ensure you graduate with the skills required for a successful career.
Green skills are one area which has been identified by the QS World Future Skills Index as being of particular importance. 24 million new green jobs are expected to exist by 2030 across a broad range of industries, as entire sectors transform and shift to become more sustainable.
According to the World Future Skills Index, the following five green skills have grown in relevancy over the last five years. Before choosing a university or degree, consider whether the curriculum of your chosen programme will enable you to graduate with the skills employers need most urgently, as by 2030 one in five jobs will lack the green talent that’s required.
Environmental science & climate change mitigation
Think you’ve got the ability required to help lead global efforts to mitigate against the most damaging impacts of climate change?
While these are skills most commonly taught as part of a natural sciences degree such as environmental sciences or earth & marine sciences, this is also crucial knowledge for anyone to gain seeking to work in engineering and technology, given the need for innovative technology-led solutions to address climate change.
As well as finding ways to address the negative impacts of global heating and climate change, the jobs of the future will also need to help ensure the most threatened natural habitats are conserved.
Technology will once again be crucial in reversing declines in biodiversity, while degrees such as zoology and ecology should also be preparing graduates for work in this field.
Agriculture, agroforestry & soil ecology
Agriculture is one of five industries identified by the World Future Skills Index report as being in decline within major economies, largely because of the rapid changes happening in this industry due to advances in sustainability.
With traditional agricultural methods in decline, studying a degree with modules that cover sustainable topics such as agroforestry and soil ecology is particularly crucial if you’re considering a career in this industry. Learning these skills ensures you’ll be well-placed for the newer roles in sustainable land stewardship which are increasing in prominence.
It can be easy to overlook just how crucial water is as a resource when it comes to building a more sustainable future. Efficient and effective hydrology management is vital for ensuring ecosystems are protected and water resources are accessible to all.
As climate change alters rainfall patterns, experts in hydrology are needed to help develop adaptive strategies for water conservation and disaster resilience. As demand for water grows globally, skilled professionals are crucial for balancing human needs with environmental sustainability, ensuring a secure water future for all.
Despite lingering scepticism, it’s clear the push to net zero carbon emissions is going to require nations around the world to phase out high-polluting energy sources like coal and gas in favour of renewables.
Graduates with an interest in working within the energy sector therefore need to be leaving university with a thorough understanding of the latest advancements in renewable energy and carbon management strategies.
As well as engineering degrees, these skills are likely to be covered within natural sciences degrees such as geology or geophysics.
As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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Five green skills to future-proof your career
Craig OCallaghan
Updated Jul 29, 2025Save
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Technology is enabling rapid change in today’s workplace, and universities are racing to keep up to ensure you graduate with the skills required for a successful career.
Green skills are one area which has been identified by the QS World Future Skills Index as being of particular importance. 24 million new green jobs are expected to exist by 2030 across a broad range of industries, as entire sectors transform and shift to become more sustainable.
According to the World Future Skills Index, the following five green skills have grown in relevancy over the last five years. Before choosing a university or degree, consider whether the curriculum of your chosen programme will enable you to graduate with the skills employers need most urgently, as by 2030 one in five jobs will lack the green talent that’s required.
Environmental science & climate change mitigation
Think you’ve got the ability required to help lead global efforts to mitigate against the most damaging impacts of climate change?
While these are skills most commonly taught as part of a natural sciences degree such as environmental sciences or earth & marine sciences, this is also crucial knowledge for anyone to gain seeking to work in engineering and technology, given the need for innovative technology-led solutions to address climate change.
Top universities for environmental science
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Global Rank
Wildlife & biodiversity conservation
As well as finding ways to address the negative impacts of global heating and climate change, the jobs of the future will also need to help ensure the most threatened natural habitats are conserved.
Technology will once again be crucial in reversing declines in biodiversity, while degrees such as zoology and ecology should also be preparing graduates for work in this field.
Agriculture, agroforestry & soil ecology
Agriculture is one of five industries identified by the World Future Skills Index report as being in decline within major economies, largely because of the rapid changes happening in this industry due to advances in sustainability.
With traditional agricultural methods in decline, studying a degree with modules that cover sustainable topics such as agroforestry and soil ecology is particularly crucial if you’re considering a career in this industry. Learning these skills ensures you’ll be well-placed for the newer roles in sustainable land stewardship which are increasing in prominence.
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Water & hydrology management
It can be easy to overlook just how crucial water is as a resource when it comes to building a more sustainable future. Efficient and effective hydrology management is vital for ensuring ecosystems are protected and water resources are accessible to all.
As climate change alters rainfall patterns, experts in hydrology are needed to help develop adaptive strategies for water conservation and disaster resilience. As demand for water grows globally, skilled professionals are crucial for balancing human needs with environmental sustainability, ensuring a secure water future for all.
Renewable energy, geothermal heating & carbon management
Despite lingering scepticism, it’s clear the push to net zero carbon emissions is going to require nations around the world to phase out high-polluting energy sources like coal and gas in favour of renewables.
Graduates with an interest in working within the energy sector therefore need to be leaving university with a thorough understanding of the latest advancements in renewable energy and carbon management strategies.
As well as engineering degrees, these skills are likely to be covered within natural sciences degrees such as geology or geophysics.
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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.
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