The Workforce Alignment to Climate Crisis

“Nature is our greatest ally and our greatest inspiration.” – Sir. David Attenborough

I remember sitting in my second grade English class, and I could hardly pay attention as the first rain of our monsoon season was loudly pouring outside after weeks of sweltering heat. The rain stopped, and as if on cue, the bell rang. I rushed to the door. Once on the playground, I heard countless birds singing in celebration and saw signs of abundance throughout the playground. Rainwater rolled off the large taro leaves, bowing them momentarily as water streamed off its shiny, waterproof surfaces onto the once thirsty ground. Nearby I could hear kids splashing and feel the droplets on my face, as I watched in wonder at snails scurrying around. Delightfully, I wandered under a tree and felt water drops on my head, as a slight breeze shook the wet branches. With every breath, I smelled the long-awaited, uniquely luscious scent of clean air and wet earth – petrichor! I felt a sense of oneness with “all that is” at that moment, and I continue to have that indescribable feeling every time I am in nature.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to spend every free minute in nature; there is nowhere else I feel happier. With work and life demands, I found having a backyard garden is the best way to nourish my soul daily. I feel a deep sense of reverence for Earth that pales to everything else in comparison. However, this year brought our planet’s health to the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 wildfire and hurricane seasons awakened us all to the climate emergency.

According to Nobel laureate Steven Chu, the global economy is based on a pyramid scheme. However, I believe it is possible to be more environmentally sustainable while being financially prosperous. Consumers are using their voices and voting with their wallets supporting businesses that put climate responsibility at the forefront of their business model. As Indra Nooyi said, the private sector can’t be alone in their actions. Individuals and organizations need to embrace new ideas, concepts and action plans to reach solutions. The world of work is continuously evolving and our job market has already begun to adapt for the climate emergency.

A Workforce in a Green Future: 

Working towards a greener future won’t eliminate jobs from the workforce. The International Labour Organization outlined that 40% of the global workforce is at risk if the climate crisis isn't addressed. However, a greener future could lead to 25 million jobs in the next 15 years, according to “Mobilizing for a zero carbon America.” Choosing a sustainable future creates jobs with the rise of AI, digital transformation and pandemic.

Jobs in a Sustainable Future: 

As a result of COVID-19, roles were created, including testers, contact tracers, occupancy specialists and video meeting facilitators. Working towards a green economy creates the need for new jobs and the substitution of existing positions. Jobs that work towards a sustainable future include energy efficiency, renewable energy, infrastructure creation and installation, research and development, education and training, finance specialist, sustainable chef, an environmental lawyer and accountant and so many more. Many already possess skills and knowledge that transfer to roles focused on implementing change to solve the climate emergency.

Environmental Wakeup Call: 

Documentaries like “Kiss the Ground” and “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet” simplify the understanding for us all. An unhealthy planet decreases the standard of living for millions across the globe. Extreme weather events are likely to cause business disruption and job loss; mitigation efforts can create opportunities. The climate crisis is saddening and frustrating for many, including myself, but we can still celebrate bright spots on this journey. Efforts to reverse desertification, prioritizing and restoring biodiversity for both land and oceans and sustainable fishing and farming practices are just a handful of examples of progress and innovation towards a sustainable future and new opportunities.

We created the situation we’re in, and only we have the power to get ourselves out of it or risk the next extinction event. By embracing sustainability as a core part of a business model, affiliating with organizations that promote eco-friendly business practices and incentivizing change for clients and consumers, we can create positive effects for our future. Each person and business has the power to create change. Supporting or joining organizations that promote sustainable practices is important. Many local, regional and national organizations advocate for environmental awareness; I encourage you to find the one that resonates with you or your company. If our world dies, then there will be no economy to save. As David Attenborough said in his witness statement, let’s move from being “apart from nature” to becoming “a part of nature” in business and our personal lives.

This July, I stepped into my Las Vegas backyard after a rare rain shower to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of abundance. The olfactory bliss of petrichor still soothes me. This moment’s soundtrack features water pouring off the eaves and noticeably fewer birds singing. I walk barefoot through my garden and feel the soft, soaked ground beneath my feet. The pine scent from nearby tall trees is soothing and unmistakable. I break off a sprig from a rosemary bush, crush the rough stem in my hands and smell its distinct fragrance. As I take in the scene, I marvel at the Fibonacci sequence in delphiniums and pinecones with droplets glistening in the reappearing sun light. Experiencing the remnants of rain feels like it did when I was a child but it’s very different now. Destroying our natural habitat for the past 50 years has brought us here. I hope we’re not close to the sixth mass extinction event where the human race becomes extinct. Let’s all choose to live in balance with nature.

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