Last year, 39% of UK residents said they were “very concerned” about the effects of climate change, with another 43% indicating that they were “fairly concerned”. Just 4% said they weren't at all concerned, according to the DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker.

The figures also show that those who are the most worried tend to be in the over-65 bracket (46%), with only 34% of those aged 16 to 24 indicating that they have fears around global warming.

It is not just individuals who are anxious. ​​InfluenceMap, an independent think-tank which produces data-driven analyses on how business and finance are impacting the climate crisis, highlighted 27 companies in 2023 that are meeting climate-change criteria.

They include big names such as Sony, Salesforce, and Apple, as well as utility companies like SSE, and the consumer giants Danone and Unilever. Of these best-in-climate-class businesses, 16 are headquartered in Europe, 6 in Japan and 5 in the U.S.

The report’s authors say that the “research shows that the majority of companies outside the fossil fuel value chain are not prioritising climate in their advocacy,” and add that “Without corporate leadership, governments are unlikely to undertake decisive and necessary policy interventions.”

Banking lagging behind

Noticeably absent are banks and financial services companies. This isn’t surprising when you consider that environmental, social and governance (ESG) data firm RepRisk found that the number of instances of greenwashing by banks and financial services companies around the world rose 70% from 2022 to 2023.

The company recorded 148 cases in the period, up from 86 during the previous 12 months.

If banks and financial services companies want to do better, they need the right talent. With a report indicating that job postings for “green” jobs grew by over 9%, but the share of skilled workers only grew by 5.4%, there is a gap that needs filling. Currently, only 12.5% of workers have skills that are relevant.

Harnessing green skills

What are green skills? Essentially they encapsulate the knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop, and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.

It is those employees with the requisite talents who will help companies adapt their products and services, meet environmental requirements and regulations, and, crucially, create new business opportunities.

From compliance professionals to heads of sustainability, as ESG evolves in financial sectors, available positions continue to grow. Skilled talent can look for opportunities in green bonds, or as ESG analysts, and green fintechs are also on the rise. Starling Bank, Triodos, Almond, Tred, and Stripe are some of these challenger companies leading the charge.

Purely from a business standpoint, it behoves companies to adopt green practices, with shareholders and investors, employees, and customers all benefiting. Deloitte’s Better Banking Survey surveyed more than 1,000 UK banking customers, finding that 71% of customers are more likely to choose a bank with a positive social and environmental impact, and that 61% would leave their bank if it was linked to any social or environmental harm.

Banking talent who wish to work in the space are likely to need reskilling, with figures indicating that 16% of men and just 10% of women currently have the requisite abilities. If you are already working in STEM, public administration, or have a professional services background, these are current pathways into a green role.

Wherever route you decide to take, check out the Finextra Job Board for available opportunities. It contains thousands of openings in companies actively hiring all across the UK, including the three below.

Global Corporate Sustainability - Net Zero, PwC UK, Birmingham

As Global Corporate Sustainability - Net Zero, you will join a team of 15 people spread across the world and united in their purpose, with an agenda that includes a global net zero commitment, climate risk and reporting, nature and biodiversity, and a global community ambition.

You will also make significant collaborations with external organisations including UNICEF/Generation Unlimited, the Global Solutions Initiative and the World Economic Forum.

Interested? Get full application information here.

UK B2B Sales Manager, Ripple Energy, Ayr

Ripple offers fractional ownership of large scale wind farms and solar parks, and as the UK B2B Sales Manager, you will build the business customer base, securing new sales and acting as the point of contact for existing larger customers, helping Ripple grow into a valuable climate solution for businesses across the UK.

As a key member of the team, you will also help evolve products in response to customer feedback, ensuring they meet customers’ needs, and above all else, secure multi-million pound deals for businesses and organisations to own Ripple wind farms and solar parks.

Get all the details here.

ESG Investment Specialist – London, Aviva, London

Interested in driving the Liquid Market ESG and product agenda, operating across asset classes and ensuring strategic projects get over the line? Then this ESG Investment Specialist role could be for you.

The role will require close collaboration with investment, sales, marketing, compliance, ESG, and legal teams alongside individual contributions. To be considered, you will need investment and ESG knowledge, demonstrated by relevant professional qualification and/or experience along with IMC or equivalent, a CFA or equivalent qualification, plus a strong knowledge of financial markets.

Get all the criteria here.

Discover a brilliant green skills role now on the Finextra Job Board.