Millions of Brits Eye a Shift to Green Careers in 2025

As the UK intensifies efforts to meet its net-zero targets, a new wave of interest in environmentally-focused careers is sweeping across the workforce. According to new research, 2025 could become the year of the green job, with millions of Brits planning to pursue roles that support sustainability and climate action.

A Growing Demand for Climate-Conscious Careers

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that in 2022, an estimated 639,400 people in the UK were already employed in green jobs. But new survey data suggests that this number could rise dramatically in the near future.

A study by green energy provider 100Green surveyed 1,000 UK adults and found that 71% of working Brits are interested in transitioning to a green job—potentially equating to over 24 million people when scaled across the UK’s workforce.

Even more significantly, 64% of those interested said they want to make the switch as early as 2025, which could result in over 15 million people actively seeking sustainability-focused roles this year alone.

What Exactly Is a “Green Job”?

Green careers are broadly defined as jobs that contribute to environmental protection, carbon reduction, or climate adaptation. But they’re not just limited to the energy or climate sectors. Opportunities now span industries as varied as fashion, construction, logistics, finance, and manufacturing.

“Logistics is playing a critical role in the green transition,” said Bethany Windsor, Head of Skills Policy at Logistics UK and Generation Logistics.
“From electric vehicles and hydrogen trucks to AI-powered route planning, the sector is undergoing rapid change. Through initiatives like the Green Careers Hub and real-world success stories, we’re showing jobseekers how they can make an environmental impact—even in roles they may not have considered green before.”

Despite growing interest, Windsor emphasises that one of the key challenges is raising awareness and providing clear pathways into these roles—particularly for people unfamiliar with green careers in their existing sector.

Young Professionals Lead the Green Career Charge

The survey found that younger generations are especially motivated to make the switch:

• 85% of 18–24-year-olds want a green job — 65% plan to make the move in 2025

• 87% of 25–34-year-olds are interested — 68% want to switch this year

• 82% of 35–44-year-olds are also eager — 56% aiming for 2025

An additional 21% of respondents said they were planning to move into a green role by 2026.

Is There Enough Supply to Meet Demand?

While interest in sustainability careers is booming, are there enough roles available?

To find out, 100Green analysed job listings on Adzuna, using over 150 green-related search terms such as “climate,” “renewable,” and “sustainability.” In late November 2024, there were approximately 758,000 jobs listed with green-related keywords—offering an average salary of £45,980, which is around £8,000 more than the UK’s current median salary.

The most common keywords included:

• “Environment” – 300,000+ listings

• “Nature” – 51,500+

• “Sustainability” – 49,400+

• “Energy” – 42,600+

• “Renewable” – 16,500+

If this pace continues throughout the year, we could see up to 9 million green-related roles posted in 2025—still 6 million short of potential demand.

Specialist vs. Generalist Green Roles

As the green workforce grows, two core categories of sustainability professionals are expected to emerge, according to Deloitte:

• Specialists – e.g. solar technicians, hydrogen systems engineers

• Generalists – e.g. sustainability engagement officers, ESG analysts

Even roles without explicitly green titles—such as positions in real estate or finance—can increasingly support sustainability goals and be aligned with net-zero priorities.