Upskilling for a Green Future.

A Deep Dive: Climate Entrepreneurship with Professor Quentin Crowley 

The climate and sustainability landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, both globally and here in Ireland. We're witnessing escalating climate signals, from record-breaking heatwaves to the EPA's recent National Climate Change Risk Assessment identifying urgent risks for Ireland before 2030. Yet, amidst these warnings, there's also significant momentum: Ireland is accelerating its renewable energy targets, with commitments to solar and offshore wind, and a clear signal from the latest IDA Ireland Labour Market Pulse shows that Ireland’s demand for green skills is growing at nearly twice the global rate, with 1 in 8 Irish jobs now requiring at least one green skill. This isn't just about environmental science; it's about green fluency across roles in finance, tech, operations, and policy. 

This rapidly changing environment presents a unique opportunity for professionals, budding entrepreneurs, and changemakers to future-proof their careers and do meaningful work. Trinity College Dublin’s Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship offers a practical, flexible route into the heart of this green transition, designed for those ready to understand climate challenges, identify sustainable business opportunities, and lead innovation. 

Course Director  Professor Quentin Crowley, Professor in Geology, School of Natural Sciences and Director of the Trinity Centre for the Environment, sheds light on the course’s unique approach and the vital skills it imparts.  

Q1: The urgency of climate action is undeniable. Why is it so crucial for people to engage with climate innovation now? 

" The urgency of climate action is undeniable because the climate crisis is not only a challenge but also a catalyst for unprecedented innovation. Traditional solutions are no longer sufficient; we need bold, entrepreneurial approaches to develop effective, scalable responses. Climate Entrepreneurship is essential now because it empowers professionals with the skills and mindset to create impactful solutions, drive sustainable economic growth, and shape a greener future. The gap between the demand for green skills and available talent is widening rapidly: between 2023 and 2024, global demand for green talent grew twice as fast as supply, and in Ireland alone, job postings requiring green skills surged by 22.1% in 2024. This demonstrates an urgent need for professionals who can turn environmental insight into real-world, scalable ventures that deliver measurable impact." 

 
Q2: What aspects of Climate Change will the course explore, and which areas present the most significant opportunities for entrepreneurship? 

" The course adopts a holistic approach, examining critical aspects of climate change including energy transition (such as renewables, energy storage, and smart grids), circular economy principles (waste reduction and sustainable materials), sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation and resilience. The most significant entrepreneurial opportunities often emerge at the intersections of these areas—for example, by innovating in energy efficiency for buildings, developing new business models for sustainable consumption, or applying technology to climate risk assessment. 

Importantly, opportunity isn’t limited to large-scale technology. There is substantial potential at the community and small business level as well. This includes ventures in local food systems and urban farming, waste reduction and upcycling (like repair cafés), community-led renewable energy projects, and sustainable living education or consultancy services. The course guides students to identify these ‘white spaces’—areas where their unique skills can drive impactful ventures, whether at a local or global scale." 

 

Q3: Beyond environmental benefits, what economic and social advantages can climate entrepreneurship deliver? 

" Climate entrepreneurship delivers far-reaching economic and social advantages beyond environmental impact. Economically, it drives job creation in emerging green sectors, stimulates innovation, attracts investment, and builds a more resilient economy that is less dependent on volatile fossil fuels. Investments in low-emission technologies and energy efficiency not only support economic expansion but also enhance productivity and long-term resilience. 

Socially, climate entrepreneurship fosters healthier communities through reduced pollution, improved resource management, and solutions that enhance quality of life. It empowers individuals and communities to participate in the transition to a low-carbon economy, promoting a sense of purpose and collective action toward a more equitable and sustainable future. 

To quote from an OECD report “Investing in Climate for Growth and Development”: 

“Accelerated climate action can drive economic growth while delivering significant environmental and social benefits… Investments in low‑emissions technologies and energy efficiency will not only support economic expansion, but also enhance productivity and resilience. Additional benefits can be felt in the short run thanks to climate co-benefits, such as air quality improvements and better public health outcomes.” 

By supporting climate entrepreneurship, we not only mitigate climate risks but also unlock new avenues for prosperity, inclusion, and well-being." 

 
Q4: How does the programme ensure participants can effectively engage with and translate complex environmental challenges into practical, actionable entrepreneurial ventures – even if they don’t have a scientific background? 

"That's a very important question. While my own background is in geology, the programme is designed to be accessible to individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. We don't expect students to become scientists; rather, we equip them with the frameworks and critical thinking skills to understand and evaluate environmental challenges from an evidence-based perspective. The focus is on gaining an understanding of the complexity of the climate challenge before designing systemic solutions and then turning these into viable entrepreneurial opportunities. It's about grounding bold ideas in reality, ensuring they're not only innovative but also truly actionable and sustainable, regardless of your scientific understanding." 
 

Q5: Can you tell us a little about the core frameworks and methodologies you bring to the programme, such as systems thinking, and how they are applied to develop climate solutions? 

" Our programme distinguishes itself by immersing students in practical, action-oriented methodologies tailored to the complexities of climate challenges. Systems Thinking is a core framework we teach, recognising that climate issues are deeply interconnected and require a holistic approach. Participants learn to map complex systems—identifying stakeholders, feedback loops, and leverage points—to pinpoint where entrepreneurial interventions can have the greatest impact. 

This approach is not just theoretical. Students apply these frameworks through real-world case studies and hands-on project work, using systems thinking and related methodologies to develop their own climate-focused ideas, progressing from initial concepts to viable business models. This ensures that graduates are equipped to design solutions that are both innovative and grounded in a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems." 

Q6: Beyond these methodologies, what are the top 2-3 key skills or mindsets participants will gain, and how are these cultivated through the course's practical approach? 

 "Participants will gain skills in: 

Opportunity Assessment & Validation: We cultivate this by guiding students through rigorous market research, customer discovery interviews, and prototyping, teaching them how to validate their ideas against real-world needs. 

Entrepreneurial Mindset: This is fostered through a 'learn-by-doing' approach. We encourage a shift towards seeing challenges as experiments, embracing iteration, and developing resilience through practical project work and peer feedback. 

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The diverse backgrounds of our students mean they learn how to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, a crucial skill for complex climate solutions that often span science, technology, business, and policy." 

Q7: Who would benefit most from this course? What kind of background or aspirations should a prospective student have to truly thrive in this programme? 

 "This course is ideal for professionals from diverse backgrounds – science, engineering, business, policy, arts (to name a few!) – who share a strong passion for climate action and a desire to create tangible solutions. Whether you're an aspiring founder, an intrapreneur looking to drive sustainable initiatives within a larger company, or simply someone eager to pivot your career towards environmental impact, if you're motivated to learn how to turn ideas into action, this program is for you. A pre-existing business idea isn't required; we guide you through the ideation process." 

Q8: How do participants translate these learnings into immediate impact, and what long-term career trajectories do you see for graduates in the rapidly growing green economy? 

" Participants can immediately apply the programme’s frameworks—such as systems thinking—to their current professional roles, enabling them to identify inefficiencies, implement more sustainable practices, and drive innovation within their organisations. This practical application ensures that the impact of their learning is felt from the outset. 

In the long term, graduates are well-positioned for a wide range of career opportunities in the rapidly expanding green economy. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, climate mitigation is the third-most transformative trend globally, with green initiatives projected to create approximately 34 million jobs by 2030. Graduates can launch their own climate-focused ventures, lead corporate sustainability initiatives, or consult on environmental innovation, becoming influential contributors to the transition toward a sustainable future." 

Q9: What final word of advice would you offer to someone considering the Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship? 

 " If you’re passionate about creating real environmental and community impact, and eager to turn that passion into practical solutions, now is the time to act. The demand for green skills and climate entrepreneurs is accelerating rapidly. This programme offers a unique combination of scientific insight, business strategy, and hands-on tools—empowering you to make a measurable difference. 

Beyond the curriculum, you’ll gain invaluable experience learning alongside a diverse cohort, expanding your professional network, and joining a dynamic ecosystem committed to climate action. Enrolling is an investment in your own growth and in the planet’s future.” 

 

Inspired to drive climate impact? Learn more about the Postgraduate Certificate in Climate Entrepreneurship at Trinity College Dublin and join a community of changemakers!