In a world marked by climate change and shortage or degradation of natural resources such as water, fertile soil or fossil energy sources, economics and labor market are experiencing an unprecedented transformation.
The so -called green transformation is already underway and requires knowledge, technology and investments. But also, professionals specialized in sustainability and circular economy, prepared to manage in these labor fields and generate innovation. The market demands new labor profiles and training options must find a way to meet those economic and social needs.
As explained by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its 2025 “Fostering Effective Transition” report on the future of employment, The main engines of job growth in the coming years are the digital revolution, the green transition and efforts to decarbonize productive activity against the climatic crisis.
The labor market in 2030
The report reveals that the disruption in the labor market will be equivalent to 22 % of jobs from here to 2030, a period in which 170 million new jobs will be created, although another 92 million will be displaced, which will lead to a net increase of 78 million jobs.
Technological advances, demographic changes, geoeconomic tensions and economic pressures are the main factors that promote these changes and will involve a transformation of sectors and professions worldwide.
First -line work and essential sectors, such as the provision of care and education, will experience the greatest growth of the employment from here to 2030. Also, advances in AI and renewable energy are redefining the market by increasing the demand for technology professionals or specialists.
The report, of the World Economic Forum, which uses data from more than 1000 companies, indicates that the qualifications gap is currently the main barrier to the transformation of companies.
“Trends such as generative AI and rapid technological changes are transforming the sectors and labor markets, and this creates unprecedented opportunities, but also serious risks,” says Till Leopold, head of work, wages and employment creation of the World Economic Forum. And he adds: “It is time for companies and governments to work together, invest in capacities and create a resilient and egalitarian global work force.”
Environmental Engineering
Climate change is one of the greatest threats faced by humanity. The transition to renewable energy sources is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. However, this transition not only implies a change in technology and infrastructure, but also in the workforce that drives these industries.
In fact, the World Economic Forum report underlines that the training and recycling of workers are fundamental to guarantee an effective energy transition. As traditional fossil fuel industries decrease and renewables grow, it is essential that workers acquire new skills and competences, so recycling the workforce is vital for transition to green jobs.
Although there are challenges, the opportunities and benefits of training workers to adapt to the green economy are significant. It is imperative that governments, companies and organizations collaborate to provide the necessary tools and resources to facilitate this transition, thus ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all, according to the report
Both the International Agency for Renewable Energies (IRENA) and the World Economic Forum highlight the importance of holistic policies and investments to support the creation of a qualified and diverse workforce. “This requires recycling workers affected by the energy transition and providing new skills and training to benefit from new jobs.
In addition, the World Economic Forum report presents several success cases where the reeducation of the workforce has facilitated the energy transition. For example, in Denmark, workers in the oil and gas sector have been trained to work in the marine wind industry, taking advantage of their technical skills and experience.
Naturgy collaborates in the modernization of the FP
In the case of Spain, the Naturgy Energy Multinational is one of the companies chosen by the central government to consolidate public-private collaboration in the update of the professional training system.
This collaboration was formalized a few months ago through a collaboration agreement with the Government for the creation of a professional training hub according to the needs of the labor market in the energy sector.
The energy sector, is considered, – along with the audiovisual, aerospace and railway sectors – as strategic within the professional training process. Enrique Tapia, general director of people and resources at Naturgy, points out that “this public-private collaboration will allow the constitution of a green energy hub, facilitating the preparation of professionals with the new knowledge and skills required for their incorporation into the labor market.”
Naturgy is a member of the Alliance for Vocational Training and has made, through its foundation, a decisive commitment to promote the training of young people, unemployed and professionals that require developing new competencies to adapt to the professional challenges derived from the transformation of the energy sector.
The five countries with more green jobs
These are the five economies with more green jobs, according to the latest study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
China: The Asian country leads the list with an estimate of more than 7 million green jobs – 46% of the world total. Most of these jobs correspond to the solar, wind and hydroelectric energy sector
European Union: Although the EU includes some of the countries with more clean energy generation facilities, the data is very asymmetric. Solar energy employment increases considerably because it registered a facilities record in 2023
Brazil: Employment in renewables is divided between biofuels, photovoltaic solar energy and hydroelectric. The generation of hydroelectricity constitutes the largest renewable energy sector in the country. After Indonesia and the United States, Brazil is the third world producer of biofuels
USA: According to Irena, it imports three times more renewable energy products and services than export. Most of its green jobs are concentrated in the biofuel sectors, earthly wind and photovoltaic wind energy.
India: Hydroelectric energy represents the bulk of employment in renewable energy, ahead of photovoltaic solar energy, where the country occupies the fifth world place in Capacity installation.