Increased energy demands exacerbated by trends such as data center expansions and electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the rise in weather-related disasters, and a global boom in green technologies have made the climate workforce an economic necessity. While a shift in federal funding priorities may slow future growth, employer-driven demand for green jobs is already here. Regional economic competitiveness and resilience increasingly depend on the ability to build a strong climate workforce pipeline that matches skills with employer needs and improves accessibility to high-quality career opportunities.
Defining the Climate Workforce
The climate workforce includes occupations across many sectors. Broadly, it refers to jobs focused on achieving net-zero goals, adapting and responding to increasingly extreme weather events, developing and implementing climate technologies, and building sustainable economies.[1] This definition encompasses a range of industries and related jobs, including the following.
- Renewable Energy – wind turbine technicians, solar panel installers, grid modernization engineers.
- Sustainable Construction & Infrastructure – sustainable architects and urban planners, energy-efficient building specialists.
- Clean Transportation – EV manufacturing workers, battery engineers, public transit expansion professionals.
- Climate Science & Policy – environmental analysts, sustainability consultants, climate risk assessors.
As governments and businesses increase their commitments to net-zero goals, climate-resilient communities, stable supply chains, and larger green technology market shares, the demand for workers in these fields is skyrocketing. Most of the job growth has been limited to five sectors— solar photovoltaic technology, wind, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, heat pumps, and critical minerals mining— with global clean energy jobs surpassing fossil fuel jobs in 2021.[2] In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that wind turbine technician and solar panel installer jobs will grow by 45 percent and 22 percent, respectively, by 2032, making them among the fastest-growing occupations.[3]
Growing Demand Meets Workforce Shortages
Growing demand, however, has spotlighted the shortage of workers with the necessary skills to fill climate-related jobs. LinkedIn’s Global Green Skills Report 2023 shows that job postings for green jobs are growing nearly twice as fast as the number of workers with the skills to fill them. This mismatch between supply and demand highlights long-standing disparities in the labor market and the disparities in climate change impact. Women and certain racial and ethnic groups are underrepresented in clean energy jobs, making up only 30 percent of the workforce, compared to over 60 percent in a declining fossil fuel industry. This untapped source of talent suggests the need to improve awareness and accessibility around quality jobs in high-growth sectors.
Policy and political uncertainty are likely to slow climate workforce development by creating instability in funding, regulations, and investment. Frequent shifts in federal and state priorities—such as changes in clean energy incentives, emissions regulations, and infrastructure spending—create boom-and-bust cycles that encourage then discourage workforce investment in climate-related sectors. Establishing clear funding priorities and predictable incentives would facilitate long-term planning for businesses, training providers, and workers, while also helping to ensure global competitiveness.
Philanthropic funding (including coalitions like the Family and Workers Fund) and corporate foundations (such as the Ford Foundation) have been instrumental in supporting climate workforce initiatives in recent years. Charitable giving has funded job training programs to equip workers with skills for the renewable energy sector and help ensure that those most affected by climate change are included in green job opportunities. While these philanthropic investments have been crucial in supporting workforce development for the clean energy economy, early 2025 surveys indicate that shifts in the US policy landscape are prompting corporate leaders to adjust philanthropic priorities.
Given the uncertainties associated with these funding sources, near- and medium-term solutions for meeting workforce demand in climate-related sectors may fall to local economic and workforce development leaders.
Building the Climate Workforce
To build a climate workforce pipeline that meets employer demand and skills needs, community colleges, union apprenticeship programs, state-level job training initiatives, and private-sector investment in workforce development are on the rise. These efforts include retraining programs, wage support for displaced workers, and incentives for companies to hire from frontline communities most impacted by climate change. Below are three programs that demonstrate how collaborative regional investments can strengthen the climate workforce while expanding economic opportunity and improving resilience.
- The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)in Philadelphia operates the Knight Green Careers Training Center. Established in 2009 with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and The Kresge Foundation, the nonprofit center trains individuals from historically underrepresented groups—including Black, immigrant youth, veterans, and returning individuals—for high-demand clean energy careers. ECA offers training in solar energy, HVAC systems, residential energy efficiency, green construction, and environmental remediation, with several programs accredited by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and six grant-funded programs available at no cost. In 2023, ECA trained over 250 students, awarding 12 industry-recognized credentials. The organization also partners with local schools to train 50 high school students annually in clean energy careers. By combining industry-aligned training with strong partnerships, ECA expands access for workers and strengthens the talent pipeline for employers.
- Groundwork New Orleans (GWNO), part of Groundwork USA, works to improve local communities by restoring environmental health, promoting sustainability, and creating economic opportunities. Since 2006, the organization has used a mix of funding sources, such as government grants, private foundations, and corporate partnerships, to collaborate with residents, businesses, and community groups on projects that enhance neighborhoods and protect natural resources. A key focus is youth workforce development through programs like the Green Team (ages 14-18) and the Ground CREW (ages 19-25), which equip participants with job skills while addressing local stormwater management and ecosystem restoration. Each year, these 15- to 20- person cohorts get paid on-the-job training to mitigate flooding risks, improve water quality, and support a healthier local environment by implementing green infrastructure projects and best management practices. Through these efforts, the organization fosters long-term community resilience and creates pathways for young people to engage in sustainability-focused careers.
- The Green Door Initiative (GDI), founded in 2010 in Detroit, focuses on environmental literacy, workforce development, and sustainability within disadvantaged and underserved communities. The nonprofit’s Environmental Career Worker Training Program prepares underrepresented populations for careers in the green economy through training in environmental remediation/restoration, construction, hazardous materials/waste handling and emergency response, and solar installation. Since its launch, GDI has trained over 800 individuals, with a 92 percent job placement rate and average starting wages of $23 per hour. The organization runs three training cohorts annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
A strong climate workforce is essential to meeting growing energy demands, supporting resilient communities, and keeping pace with expanding clean energy industries. As businesses invest in new technologies and infrastructure, the need for skilled workers will continue to rise. Building this workforce requires strategic investments in training; stronger partnerships among funders, employers, and educators; and expanded access to high-quality career pathways. With the right approach, economic and workforce development practitioners can strengthen their economies, support employers, and equip workers for the careers that will define the future.
[1] Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment defines the climate workforce as “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.”
[2] The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Employment report (2023) shows over 35 million people now employed in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, fossil fuel job losses are accelerating. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, coal mining jobs in the US have declined significantly and are now under 50,000, highlighting an additional need to develop formal pathways to transition displaced workers.
[3] Continuing uncertainty and shifts in funding priorities may impact these job growth projections.
