Refugees and immigrants fleeing extreme weather could help fill green jobs » Yale Climate Connection

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As the climate warms, extreme weather makes life and livelihoods more difficult in many rural areas around the world. As a result, more and more people are moving to cities in search of safety and opportunity.

Pagani: “Most climate-induced displacement occurs within countries, over short distances and within cities.”

Giovanni Pagani is part of C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking climate action.

Many new city residents are looking for jobs, he said. At the same time, many cities need more workers trained in green jobs, such as those in energy-efficient buildings and waste management.

So he said governments and funders can help solve both problems by investing in workforce development programs…

Pagani: “…aimed at improving the skills needed by everyone, including immigrants and refugees alike.”

Amman, Jordan, for example, is hiring Syrian refugees and disadvantaged Jordanians to plant trees and improve green spaces.

Madrid, Spain, has partnered on a program to provide refugees with vocational training in sustainable construction.

So Pagani says cities can help reduce climate change while supporting those displaced by the climate crisis.

Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media