Insights from Davos: EY on CEOs, Green Jobs & Sustainability

As this year’s World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, truly comes to an end, what are the main takeaways?
Amy Brachio, EY Global Vice Chair of Sustainability, shares her reactions to conversations at Davos, as we consider what happened this year and what impact it will have on the upcoming year in sustainability – and beyond.
A changing landscape of Chief Executive Officers
“We know that a record number of CEOs, nearly 2,000, stepped down from their roles in 2024.
“For Chief Sustainability Officers and other leaders in the sustainability space, this trend only compounds an already volatile environment for investment and future strategy, including delivering climate initiatives. At Davos, I was interested to see how the leadership transition issue could factor into conversations on sustainability and overall business growth and innovation.
“The discussions at Davos underscored that while leadership changes can introduce uncertainty, they also present opportunities for fresh perspectives. I was pleased to hear from sustainability leaders that while leadership transitions can add complexity, the overall commitment to sustainability remains strong.
“The findings from our C-suite leadership dynamic study highlight the need for stronger collaboration among all C-suite members to guard against uncertainties around CEO changes.
“The reality is, we’re just five years out from 2030 net zero targets and crucial nature targets.
“Updated NDCs and COP30 mean these issues will remain high profile for policy and the public.
At Davos, I was interested to see how the leadership transition issue could factor into conversations on sustainability and overall business growth and innovation.
“In the face of increasing scepticism, and real environmental impacts already this year, businesses need to examine and translate how business growth, investment, and innovation are delivering for, and integrating with sustainability, rather than a debate about shifting priorities within these goals.
Corporate retreat from sustainability alliances and initiatives
“It’s no surprise that we have seen a significant number of organisations reassessing their commitments.
Many are recognising the complexity of the transformation required and the systemic nature of this challenge.
“In order for large complex organisations to achieve net zero, they need changes throughout their value chains as well as the infrastructure and policy environment in place to support the change.
“Counter to recent headlines and concerns about sustainability backlash, Davos this year saw business and sustainability leaders integrate sustainability into conversations about technology, skills, and securing growth.
“It shows us that for leading organisations, sustainability decisions are shifting to long-term strategic value and transformation rather than simply competing with short-term pressures."
Counter to recent headlines and concerns about sustainability backlash, Davos this year saw business and sustainability leaders integrate sustainability into conversations about technology, skills, and securing growth
The changing labour market and layoffs
“For a long time, a number of us have been committed to ensuring that our current and incoming workforces have the skills and knowledge needed to drive a sustainable future for all.
“This ranges from understanding the climate impact our business is having, to the latest technological breakthroughs that can help us reach our targets.
“I was glad to see the topic addressed by industries such as renewable energy and automotive at Davos this week. Although, I was hoping there would be more initiatives launched to tackle the green skills gap.
“Equipping modern workforces with the skills needed to address today’s climate challenges is crucial for achieving global climate targets and enabling businesses to implement their sustainability strategies.
Equipping modern workforces with the skills needed to address today’s climate challenges is crucial for achieving global climate targets
“The WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025 emphasises the importance of resilience, flexibility, and agility in the workforce, which are vital for navigating the green transition and technological advancements.
“Without these qualities, businesses not only risk missing out on future growth opportunities but also jeopardise their future survival.
“The urgency of closing the green skills gap is underscored by the rapid increase in job postings requiring green skills, which grew nearly twice as quickly as the share of green talent in the workforce between 2022 and 2023.”
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