December 18, 2023
Climate tech, or you could say clean technology, or even cleantech 2.0, is a booming industry attracting billions of dollars in investment and generating new job opportunities.
According to Pitchbook's records, climate tech received $41.1 billion in VC funding in 2022, making it the second-largest year ever, only behind 2021’s record-breaking $48.4 billion. Despite the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate tech proved to be resilient and relevant, as more people became aware of the urgency and importance of addressing the climate crisis.
So, if you've ever wondered about the various aspects of climate tech and how you can contribute to this prosperous field, this article is here to guide you.
By exploring the different emerging sectors, jobs in demand, top skills, upcoming trends, and challenges within climate tech, you'll better understand the vast potential this industry holds and how you can play a part in creating a sustainable future. Therefore, let's dive in and uncover the essentials of climate tech.
Climate tech refers to a wide range of innovative solutions aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Some critical sectors within climate tech include electric vehicles, carbon capture and storage and green hydrogen. These sectors offer solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and promote a more sustainable use of resources.
They also create value for customers, investors, and society by providing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable products and services. Climate tech is not only a moral imperative but also a business opportunity, as it can generate positive returns and social impact.
Carbon tech, a revolutionary sector transforming "waste carbon" into valuable commodities in an environmentally friendly manner, is not just a buzzword—it's a burgeoning economic titan.
Picture this: in the U.S. alone, the total available market for carbon tech soars to an astonishing $1.07 trillion annually, while globally, it's an eye-popping $5.91 trillion, according to a report by Carbon180 (a non-profit organisation that advocates for carbon tech).
The report continues to address essential insights: at the heart of this industry is the fuels segment, dominating 85% of the U.S. market and 66% globally. But that's not all. The top three global markets—fuels ($3.82 trillion), building materials ($1.37 trillion), and plastics ($400 billion)—showcase the sector's versatility, spanning from global commodities to high-value consumer products.
The diverse range of products and business models emerging from this sector highlights its potential to impact the economy and the environment significantly.
Energy management software (EMS) plays a crucial role in climate tech by providing organisations with the tools to monitor and optimise their energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve sustainability goals.
Besides real-time data and analytics, automation plays a significant role in EMS systems. For example, an EMS can use artificial intelligence and machine learning to learn from historical and real-time data and adjust energy settings and schedules according to user preferences, weather conditions, market prices, and grid signals. An EMS can also use blockchain and smart contracts to facilitate peer-to-peer energy transactions and to ensure transparency and security.
But there's more: an EMS opens up opportunities to be part of virtual power plants. That means you could pool resources like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, collectively acting as a mini power station. By contributing to grid services like frequency regulation, voltage support, and peak shaving, you're not just an energy consumer but an active player in the energy ecosystem.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity, CSP uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate the sun's rays onto a receiver, which absorbs the heat and transfers it to a working fluid. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives a turbine to generate electricity.
With a predicted growth rate of nearly 30% from 2023 to 2035, concentrated solar power is expected to hit a staggering $162.74 billion market size by 2035, up from about $7.05 billion in 2022, according to Research Nester.
Why the surge? Simple: newer systems can concentrate sunlight up to 5,000 times. So, these technological leaps in CSP have made it more efficient and cost-effective, making it competitive with traditional fossil fuels. Plus, it's not just about generating power; it's about doing it responsibly.
Green design, also known as cool buildings or eco-design, refers to creating products, systems, and buildings that minimise negative environmental and human health impacts. In climate tech, green design is critical in mitigating climate impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Making green design easier: carbon calculators bring another wave of excitement to the green design market. Tools like the One Click LCA calculator allow architects to calculate the full lifecycle impact of their designs, including demolition and disposal.
This comprehensive analysis is crucial for optimising design processes and meeting low-carbon building certification criteria. Now, with a few clicks, we can peek into the carbon footprint of a building right from the get-go.
Direct lithium extraction (DLE) is a method used to extract lithium from both brine and hard rock deposits, offering an alternative to traditional methods.
The method: in brine deposits, lithium is extracted by pumping the brine, a high-concentration saltwater solution, to the surface. Several direct lithium extraction methods are employed, including adsorption, membrane separation, and electrolysis. Learn more about those three:
DLE has what it takes to be a game-changer tech to make lithium production more sustainable and meet the growing demand for high-purity lithium for batteries and electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EVs) and the associated charging infrastructure are crucial in climate tech. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner modes of transport, EVs are emerging as a critical solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the climate crisis.
One of the significant challenges in promoting the widespread adoption of EVs is the need for easily accessible charging stations. Developing a robust charging infrastructure is essential to address "range anxiety" and ensure that EV drivers have convenient and reliable vehicle charge options.
Expanding the charging station network can incentivise individuals and businesses to switch from conventional vehicles to EVs, accelerating the mobility tech sector.
Deep-sea mining is a concept within the climate tech industry that involves extracting valuable minerals and resources from the ocean floor. This emerging practice has gained attention due to its potential to meet the growing demand for metals and rare earth elements required for clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar panels.
The extraction process of deep-sea mining involves using massive machines and equipment to scrape, cut, or vacuum the seabed in search of mineral-rich deposits. These minerals are found in polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and seafloor massive sulfides. Once collected, the minerals are brought to the surface for processing and refinement.
Green hydrogen, also known as renewable hydrogen or clean hydrogen, is produced through the process of electrolysis, using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The resulting hydrogen can then be used as a clean alternative to fossil fuels in various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation.
One of the curiosities about green hydrogen is that it is the most abundant element in the universe, but rare in its pure form on Earth. Hydrogen is usually found in combination with other elements, such as oxygen in water or carbon in fossil fuels.
The first unicorn: Electric Hydrogen, recently raised $380 million, putting the startup over the $1 billion valuation. The company's x-factor lies in its technology. They developed larger and more efficient electrolysers, resulting in lower costs and improved performance.
Government subsidies significantly contribute to the cost-effectiveness of many of these technologies. Green hydrogen and other climate technology sectors align with the direction we desire for our world.
Sustainability is no longer just a personal mission; it's a way to leave a lasting legacy in our daily work lives. And some companies are rocking it and getting recognised for leading the charge in building this fantastic legacy.
Climate tech is currently experiencing a renaissance after a turbulent past decade. The industry has undergone significant changes, with more mature technologies, increased consumer consciousness, and better government support. As a result, numerous unicorns are emerging in the industry, creating new job opportunities and career paths. See below in our chart the leading climate tech unicorns:
Those renewable energy startups shown in the chart, like Northvolt ($11.8 billion valuation), Octopus Energy ($5 billion valuation), Aurora Solar ($3.8 billion valuation) and Indigo ($3.5 billion valuation), are playing a critical role in the global climate tech market.
With a staggering 2,800 climate tech companies globally, these startups have emerged as critical players in driving innovation and the necessary changes to combat the climate crisis.
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in investor interest in climate tech, with 1,642 VC-backed climate tech companies established since 2020. These startups have attracted substantial investments, highlighting the growing recognition of their potential to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and create a sustainable future.
These visionary companies hold the key not only for the future of technology but also for the most coveted careers. So, we plunged headfirst into the enchanting world of these unicorn climate techstars, uncovering the most sought-after positions they are eagerly seeking.
I've analysed 382 job openings in the tech and STEM fields offered by some of those leading unicorns on LinkedIn. These are the most in-demand climate tech jobs I found during the research:
At the forefront are Process Engineer, Design Engineer and Software Engineer, with 49, 32 and 27 listings respectively. Close behind are Back-End Developer (26), Electrical Engineer (23) and Mechanical Engineer (18).
It's interesting to see the consistent demand for Project Managers (16) in today's industry. Finally, Lead Security Engineer (14), Principal Security Engineer (12) and Front-End Developer (11) complete the top ten.
We can say that the previous chart represents the professions of the future. The need to address the climate crisis and the nature of these roles are both reasons for this.
For instance, working in process engineering involves anticipating future solutions to solve current process issues. And considering careers like Design Engineer, we step into the same demand, which here requires a combination of engineering and creative design skills.
This shows the exciting nature of the climate tech industry, where innovative solutions and future predictions are in high demand.
To contribute to the advancement of this field, regardless of a specific job title, it is necessary to adopt the mindset of a climate change engineer. This entails applying engineering principles and data science to analyse and address the causes and effects of climate change. Below are a few examples of climate change engineering positions to provide a clearer understanding of how you can fit into one of them:
Recruiters seeking fresh talent know that it takes more than just math and logical thinking to stand out in the field of climate tech; it takes more than just engineering skills.
Candidates for entry-level tech jobs in climate tech companies must possess a combination of basic skills in those high-demand tech fields: data, engineering, marketing and design.
Below are examples of tasks that may be encountered in a climate tech company. Take the time to read and understand these practical cases, ensuring that you have a basic proficiency in each skill set so that you can contribute effectively to the team.
Remember that these cases will be worked on together with your squad, so don't be intimidated by these challenges, and start to study so you can have initial fluency.
To advance your career in climate tech, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for solving climate challenges and creating a positive impact. Here are some steps you can take to achieve your goals:
There are many MBA and executive programs that can help you pursue a C-level career in climate tech, depending on your goals, interests, and background. Here are some of the top programs:
According to a comprehensive study published in Climate Risk Management (2022) issue, various digital technologies are paving the way for innovative approaches to climate resilience. These technologies facilitate real-time data analysis, predictive modelling, and strategic decision-making, which are essential components of effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
This evolution requires a workforce skilled in a specific set of technical competencies, capable of leveraging these technologies to their fullest potential in the realm of climate tech. So, whether you are a recruiter seeking top talent or an aspiring climate tech enthusiast, the following information outlines the necessary skills for driving this industry.
LinkedIn's Global Green Skills Report 2023 underscores the importance of greener technological expertise in driving the transition towards sustainable practices across industries.
Among the critical tech-related green skills identified, proficiency in renewable energy systems is paramount, especially in harnessing solar technology. Energy efficiency techniques emerge as another key area, emphasising the need for skills in implementing cutting-edge energy-saving solutions. The report also highlights the growing field of green information technology, which aims to minimise the ecological footprint of digital infrastructure.
These green tech-centric skills are crucial in achieving the ambitious goals of environmental conservation and sustainability:
Harrison Mendonça is a front-end developer at Persefoni, a leading company in the field of climate management and accounting. Their software-as-a-service platform enables enterprises and financial institutions to measure, report, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Working at one of the most innovative companies, as recognised by Fast Company, undoubtedly requires a strong skill set to perform at a high level. And this is what our interviewer tries to clarify for us:
“I currently work with front-end development, so this knowledge is essential. As our app uses Next.js (React), this is the primary framework we need to master. But extra knowledge is highly valued, such as AWS, Docker, GraphQL, Auth0.”
The key to success is fitting in with the company's composition and being eager to learn. Harrison also points out that some skills are essential regardless of how often you use them, as they are standard tools that demand a basic proficiency level to keep up with the pace. One must-know tool is Figma, the interface design champ. And if you can handle task management like a pro (JIRA is another common ground here), you'll show everyone just how mature you are in your tech role.
And for those thinking about making this transition, to pursue a purpose in fighting the climate crisis through technology. Harrison offers a word of wisdom:
“It is very important that you are dedicated to what you do. This is easily noticed and valued in everyday life. And to be dedicated, you need to be interested and be a believer. If you are changing areas, they will hardly require you to have a background in this, especially because the whole subject is recent and growing. But they will require you to be interested in learning.”
So you've got the message! Abbreviations and technical names are commonly used in this industry, including some related to complex legal subjects. However, it is highly encouraged to ask questions and demonstrate interest and a willingness to learn. You are entering a new industry to develop new solutions, so there is no need to be intimidated. Instead, be eager and proud to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
As we delve into the dynamic realm of climate tech trends, a recent research of the international peer-reviewed journal, Sustainability, offers insightful revelations:
To gain a better understanding of the market, take a closer look at the list below, which showcases the top climate tech deals of 2023.
In 2023, the top climate tech deals not only represent a significant stride in environmental innovation but also signal the rise of the hottest climate tech startups in the hiring landscape.
These trailblazing companies, like Neta Auto ($969 million), Farizon ($600 million) and LanzaTech ($500 million), now flush with fresh funding, are uniquely positioned to attract top talent, fueling their growth and bolstering their capabilities.
As they secure substantial investments, these startups are poised to reinvest in themselves, expanding their teams with skilled professionals who share their passion for tackling climate challenges.
This influx of capital thus serves a dual purpose: accelerating climate solutions and creating exciting career opportunities in a sector that's increasingly crucial for our planet's future.
Naturally, those trends lead to a pivotal question: How do advancements in AI technology intertwine with today's climate tech market?
Let's dive right in and answer this question by looking at the top deals closed this year in the AI climate tech field.
The intersection of AI and climate tech is creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation, enabling us to tackle environmental issues more effectively and sustainably than ever before. Here's how AI and climate tech trends are shaping the future:
The balance between AI's potential in combating climate change and its own environmental impact is delicate. On one hand, AI offers unprecedented tools for efficiency and sustainability. On the other, the industry must navigate the energy demands of these technologies.
The key lies in continual innovation within AI to make the technology not just a tool for combating climate change, but also an exemplar of sustainable practices. Plus, the environmental concern is not the only challenge for many companies. Most startups and major organisations need help with the following roadblocks when scaling their business.
Climate tech companies, while striving to innovate and contribute to environmental sustainability, face a multitude of challenges that can hamper their growth and impact. These challenges often overlap with those faced by the broader tech industry but are also unique due to the nature of their goals and the technologies they develop. Here are some of the key challenges identified:
These and other top challenges underline the need for climate tech companies to be adaptive, policy-savvy, and innovative in their approach to scaling, all while staying true to their mission of contributing to the fight against climate change.
By now, you're aware that we're talking about a very exciting emerging industry in which your path to success depends greatly on who you are in this grand momentum. If you're on the hunt for a job, think of this climate tech page as your treasure map. It's chock-full of nuggets—resources, tips, and industry insights—that could lead you to your golden opportunity. Dive into the knowledge pool, get savvy with the latest trends, and tailor your skills to what the market craves.
But what if you're the captain of your own climate tech ship? — a company, a founder —, the waters get a bit trickier to navigate. It's not just about riding the waves; it's about understanding the ocean's depths. Educate yourself about the looming challenges, the trends that are reshaping the horizon, and the market dynamics. Learn about the tech that's pushing boundaries. And here's a twist: Sometimes, the smartest move is to join forces with someone who knows these waters well.
That’s where Airswift sails in. Here, we partner with top-notch companies to find and nurture the most exceptional talent. With over 60 offices spanning the globe, a dedicated team of 1000+ employees, and a network of 9,000+ contractors, we have the expertise and global reach to solve any problem you may have.
So, let's raise the anchor and set course for success, together. It's time to elevate your company to new heights! Contact us now and discover how our services can transform your business.
This post was written by: Raphael Santos, Content Marketing Coordinator
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