
Our World, Our Work
Our World, Our Work
The global climate crisis is laying the foundation for a historic transformation of our global economy—one with tremendous implications for the future of work.
This transformation, while leading to job loss and changes for some, also comes with a great economic opportunity: The International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts a net increase of at least 18 million jobs from the transition to clean energy and an additional 7 million jobs from the circular economy. But this adaptation also comes with a challenge.
As governments, decision-makers, and the private sector respond, searching for strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, vulnerable communities around the world are at risk of continuing to bear the disproportionate effects of this crisis. From barriers to basic service delivery to slowed social and economic growth, the workforce impacts of climate change are already felt by many and emphasize the need to not only expedite a global transition, but to do so with a sustained focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
As experts in the field of workforce development, EDC recognizes and responds to these challenges, including potential misalignment of public and private sector responses, a lack of local market data, and—in many contexts—a still-nascent demand for a greening economy.
Elevating Youth, Meeting the Moment
Key to the way we recognize this urgent and collective opportunity, and convene to make decisions about a sustainable future, will be how we make youth voices central to the conversation. Young people around the world will inherit the results of economic decisions being made today, and given the myriad workforce challenges and barriers already facing our youth, especially those in under-resourced settings, their insights can help shape a brighter future.
We must act quickly to elevate their voices.
That’s why the Our World, Our Work initiative at EDC is responding with a youth-centered approach, advancing workforce development in the new green and blue economy that prioritizes the creation of new jobs (renewable energy, circularity and recycling of waste, and electric vehicle manufacturing) and the greening of existing jobs (climate-smart agriculture, sustainable fishing, regenerative forestry, retail services, and manufacturing).
We plan to accomplish these goals by:
- Concentrating efforts on communities and youth whose environments and livelihoods are most impacted by climate change
- Understanding hyper-local labor market demands and translating national-level labor market assessments into actionable priorities at regional and local levels
- Providing relevant skills training and entrepreneurship support for youth at all skill levels
- Deepening connections between the private sector, education institutions, and youth
- Ensuring youth are central in conversations between government, the private sector, and civil society
- Strengthening youth-led and youth-serving organizations that can support and mentor the most underserved youth to engage in climate-responsive opportunities
- Supporting young women who are underrepresented in STEM pathways and occupations
“Young people are the most integral part of building and growing the green and blue economy, but they need access to skills, resources, and networks so that they may effectively contribute. We cannot wait a moment longer to prioritize youth in this transformation, so they can best leverage their skills and shape their futures.”
– Melanie Sany, Director of International Youth Programs at EDC