Our journey began with a series of research on climate literacy and environmental education.
Eco-awakening
Covid 19 has changed the way we work, live and what we talk about over dinners and parties. Multiple recent pieces of research and reports have shown that public concern over environmental issues, climate changes have increased dramatically. WWF framed this behavioral change as “Eco-awakening”. Governments and companies around the world have noticed this change and made different promises to join this sustainable shift. Copenhagen aims to be the first carbon-neutral capital city by 2025, China committed in Paris that the country will peak its carbon emission by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060. On the side of multinationals, IKEA plans to achieve a climate positive by 2030, the same goal was proposed by H&M with a deadline of 2040. But what do all these promises mean to us? What can we as young professionals do to take part in this shift?
The job market is shifting in the new economy
In the new economy, we need to re-consider every aspect of work, From products are designed and used, how businesses are formed and maintained, and this is not only the leaders’ responsibility but also requires new thinking for everyone in every aspect of each business.
New climate policies and commitments create new jobs and new demand for skill and knowledge upgrades. Every decision we make at work is critical for the success of our climate battle. However, the current workforce is not necessarily equipped with climate change and sustainability knowledge. UNEP mentioned people without adequate skills have a higher likelihood of unemployment in its report on green jobs. The shift is more challenging for SMEs due to the lack of financial and technological support.
We see new opportunities in offering learning services and look into the possibilities of new training and qualification frameworks to fill this knowledge gap and take the proactive step to facilitate learning in this new business environment.
*Renner, M., Sweeney, S., Kubit, J., United Nations Environment Programme, Worldwatch Institute, Cornell University Global Labor Institute, International Labour Organization, International Organisation of Employers, & International Trade Union Confederation. (2008). Green Jobs. UNEP.
*photo credit https://www.visitdenmark.com/press/latest-news/sustainable-copenhagen-best-world-2021