The growing issue of global climate change has created a whole new job market that is set for staggering further growth over the next five years.

Research carried out by sustainability recruitment consultancy Acre Resources shows there was more than a 130% increase in specialist jobs relating to climate change between May 2006 and May 2007, resulting in heightened activity within major companies.

According to the agency the trend looks set to continue, as current market performance and predicted rates of growth indicate that the new sector will multiply by up to four times its current size by 2012. The explosion in climate change-specific jobs over the last three years is reflected by large rises in average wages in the sector, from £19,000 in 2005 to £45,000 today.

Andy Cartland, director of Acre Resources, said: “Roles such as ‘climate change manager’, reporting to the board, are becoming commonplace within major blue chips. With consumers demanding more climate-friendly products, and investors putting pressure on companies to take action, climate change is an issue that’s being pushed up the corporate agenda. Judging from the work we’ve been doing with major clients, it won’t be long before entire teams focusing on climate change become the norm.”