In September of this year, it was announced that the Biden-Harris Administration was going to launch the American Climate Corps. This is in an effort to put more than 20,000 young people on career paths to help with clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience. Specific jobs within the corps can include managing forests, helping to cut energy bills for low income families, and restoring coastal wetlands. This is very similar to the Peace Corps, established in the 1960’s, because its goal is to provide help in specific communities, however, the Climate Corps is more direct to climate issues while also helping those in underserved communities. This program was put in place to also help contribute to the Justice40 Initiative. This is a goal to make 40% of benefits from certain federal investments go toward communities most burdened by climate change. While the Climate Corps will lead to progress in addressing the climate crisis, there has been some criticism. The idea was first mentioned by Biden at the beginning of his time in office and has now taken years to finally launch. The organization is also going to be at a smaller scale than what was originally hoped when it was first proposed. That said, this is still a win for addressing the climate crisis and allowing for more people to get involved.
This is a very crucial movement towards a better climate future because it directly involves getting younger generations to be a part of the sustainability movement. Instead of relying on individuals to make changes to their habits, this allows for people to really get involved and make an impact. It’s often hard to find specific programs that people with any kind of skill set can join to help with the climate crisis, but this corps targets young people with any skills ready to help. The organization is making an effort to create a diverse working space. As stated in the Forbes article on the American Climate Corps, “the American Climate Corps would not mirror FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps in all respects, which almost exclusively employed white males and focused on rural communities.” They are prioritizing goals from previous corporations while also improving it.
You could compare the Greenbelt Community to this organization as they both target climate involvement for young people, just on a much smaller scale. Of course, it doesn’t compare on the level of change that is created climate-wise, but keeps similar goals in mind. The Greenbelt also promotes future participation in sustainable programs in addition to personal sustainable improvement. We are able to see how climate involvement works in communities, work on our own contributions, and get educated on sustainable practices. This sets us up well to join programs such as the Climate Corps and spread awareness about the program. While we aren’t necessarily able to join the Climate Corps right now, programs like it and the Peace Corps are great opportunities for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues for after college.
About, www.peacecorps.gov/about/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
“Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Launches American Climate Corps to Train Young People in Clean Energy, Conservation, and Climate Resilience Skills, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis.” The White House, The United States Government, 20 Sept. 2023, www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/20/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-american-climate-corps-to-train-young-people-in-clean-energy-conservation-and-climate-resilience-skills-create-good-paying-jobs-and-tackle-the-clima/.
“Justice40 Initiative.” The White House, The United States Government, 29 Nov. 2023, www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/.
Technology, Energy Innovation: Policy and. “The American Climate Corps Will Put Thousands to Work Building a Stronger Country.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 25 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2023/09/24/the-american-climate-corps-will-put-thousands-to-work-building-a-stronger-country/?sh=db494027cb44.