Ready to Work in Climate?
Photo: Gustavo Fring/Pexels
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many of us to reevaluate our professional lives, and people began seeking jobs with more flexibility and purpose. In fact, a study from the Journal of Business Ethics conceptualized meaningful work as a fundamental human need. Simply put, we all want to make a difference.
The week of January 23, Climate Draft, Terra.do, MCJ Collective, and Work on Climate – all great resources – hosted Climate Career Week. The event’s series of informative panels inspired us to share our own tips on how to break into a career in climate tech.
If you’re thinking about tackling the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced for your full-time job, there has never been a better time!
The climate tech industry is looking for talented, passionate people to fill a huge variety of roles across many sectors under the “climate’ umbrella category. While big tech continues to lay off workers, climate tech is hiring. In 2022, climate tech VC funding increased nearly 3x from the previous year, and venture investment increased more than 5x over the last six years, reaching an investment of $56 billion in the U.S. in 2021.
A recent New York Times article stated investors are increasingly viewing climate change as an opportunity. They are conceding that all businesses will be impacted by climate change and view preparing for that impact as a “recession resilient” venture.
In fact, according to Climate Power, since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, companies have announced more than 100,000 clean energy jobs in the U.S.
There are endless opportunities to transfer core skills from tech to a climate-related role. In fact, industry giants are doing just that. Both Chris Sacca and Bill Gates have started climate VCs focused on decarbonization. Climate tech not only helps save the planet but can also be profitable, too.
How to find your role in the movement
Thankfully there are a lot of options in the climate space, but that can make it difficult to find your place. An easy way to start is the Climate Action Venn Diagram. Coined by marine biologist and climate educator/podcaster Dr. Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson, the Venn diagram helps you match your interests, skills, and passions to the needs of the climate movement. The three intersecting circles represent what you are good at, what brings you joy, and what is needed in the world. Check out her Ted Talk for the full scoop.
It is important to note there is no specific skill set or education required for climate work. The climate movement needs everyone, from electricians to deploy clean energy to CEOs with the next great idea, not to mention communications professionals, to help explain and promote these solutions.
Source: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Find a community
A community of like-minded professionals in climate can be an invaluable resource. LinkedIn is a great first step. You would be surprised how many people are willing to have a 15 min coffee chat (virtual or in person) and discuss their role or industry with you. You can filter search results to find people who used to work in your current industry and are now in a position you might be interested in.
Tips: these chats are for learning, so come prepared with questions, and don’t expect or ask for a job offer.
Don’t be afraid to attend events. Meeting others in the field is a great way to learn what types of roles and companies are out there. My Climate Journey has a really active community with monthly in-person events across the globe and virtual events, not to mention a great podcast. Another widespread climate community is Green Drinks. They host monthly informal happy hours and are a terrific way to learn about what is happening in your community.
If you want to help the planet but aren’t in a position to change jobs or careers, volunteering helps make connections and gain skills to eventually transition into climate. Passionate about pollution? Find a trash cleanup near you. Love animals or nature? Check into parks and animal rescues. Is your city implementing a new sustainability initiative? See if they are hosting a public forum. Nothing in your area? Check out a webinar. The searchable volunteer platform Catchafire is also a great tool for finding climate-oriented service opportunities that match your existing skill set.
Climate action can and must be implemented in every area of our lives, so there is almost guaranteed to be a niche out there for you. If by some chance one doesn’t exist, then create your own! The planet desperately needs smart solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change, and everyone can get involved.
Ready to apply?
Here are a few of our favorite job boards:
