In the past decade, sustainability insight in the boardroom has transitioned from a “nice to have” to a “must have”. It’s no longer a peripheral concern: climate change, biodiversity loss and natural capital considerations are now integral to business decisions. Yet, despite this shift, many boards are grappling with a growing green skills gap, leaving them without the critical expertise needed to navigate a world where sustainability and profitability are inextricably linked.
The risk? Companies that are unprepared for this rapidly evolving regulatory and societal landscape are falling behind, and boards are feeling the pressure.
Most, if not all, industries are affected by the impacts of climate change, changing consumer preferences and evolving supply chain requirements. That means green skills – from emissions measurement to wind turbine operation to sustainable packaging innovation – are needed at every level of a business. Businesses are working hard to skill up their workforces through training and recruitment, but these efforts tend to stop at the boardroom door.
The pressure to close this skills gap is intensifying. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations, and investors are emphasising sustainability risks and performance more. As climate and nature-related risks escalate, companies are held accountable for their environmental impact, and boards are expected to manage these risks proactively.
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