Climate Workforce
We are building an inclusive climate workforce that invests in equitable pathways into the green economy to ensure a just transition away from fossil fuels.
As climate change accelerates, Seattle and surrounding cities are facing unprecedented challenges from increased air and water pollution, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, smoke events, and winter storm surges and flooding.
What is Climate Workforce?
"Climate workforce" refers to employment and career prospects within the context of addressing climate change and sustainability. These opportunities span various fields, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate research, green technology, and more.
According to the recent Seattle Jobs Initiative’s report, the Construction and Building Operations sector is primarily white and male, with all occupational levels except helpers being at least 70% white.
As we transition away from fossil fuels, we must diversify the clean energy workforce to meet growing demand and address economic disparities to ensure Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and women have access to critical workforce development opportunities that offer living wage jobs. Together, we are creating pathways for meaningful employment, driving positive change, and ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a resilient and thriving Seattle.
Data-Driven Approach
Our approach is grounded in data supporting the significance of climate workforce engagement. Here are the key factors driving our commitment:
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), contribute to global warming and climate change. By transitioning to clean energy sources, we aim to reduce emissions and mitigate their impact on the climate.
2. Job Creation in Clean Energy
The shift to clean energy creates job opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies. This not only addresses climate concerns but also stimulates economic growth and employment.
3. Adaptation and Resilience
Climate change requires cities to adapt and build resilience. Workforce engagement ensures that the city's workforce is prepared for climate impacts and is actively involved in developing and implementing adaptation strategies
C40 Report: Building greener cities: Green job opportunities in clean construction.
This groundbreaking study, supported by the City of Oslo and Laudes Foundation, examines the job creation potential of clean construction compared to traditional methods across seven global cities: Bogota, London, Madrid, Mexico City, Nairobi, Oslo, and Seattle.
Key findings demonstrate that clean construction can:
- Generate millions of high-quality green jobs
- Key growth sectors include maintenance and repair, building upgrades and adaptive reuse
- Significantly improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions
- Accelerate building timelines to address housing shortages