We know that climate change is forcing people, communities, and ecosystems to adapt to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and flooding.

In response, last month, the Biden Administration in the U.S. announced the launch of the American Climate Corps (ACC). 

This program trains over 20,000 young people in green jobs that help protect the environment, promote conservation, and create sustainable ways of living and working. At the end of the program, the trainees will have opportunities to work in the public and private sectors.

So far, 42,000 people have already applied for the positions. Let's find out more...

Goals Of The ACC

The ACC is modeled along the lines of the Civilian Conservation Corps that was launched in 1933 by then U.S President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Read more about it in our earlier article here. 

A core element of the ACC program is inclusivity, with a focus on communities that have been historically excluded from opportunities. This includes people of color and lower economic status as well as disadvantaged communities. It is well known that disadvantaged and marginalized communities are impacted the most from the climate crises. 

Individuals selected for the ACC will be trained in many sectors such as -

• Nature based conservation, eg: restoring coastal wetlands that are a natural defense against flooding
• Improved forest management to prevent wildfires and sustainable land management
• Building climate-resilient infrastructure such as wind and solar energy, water, transportation, and public works (bridges, sea walls)
• Retrofitting individual homes with heat pumps and other energy-saving devices

How Will This Be Implemented?

The paid program is open to people aged 18-35 and no previous experience is necessary. Also, 40 percent of the benefits would be set aside for disadvantaged communities. 

The first program is expected to be a partnership between the ACC and the Forest Service which will employ 80 people in conservation, restoration, and wildfire prevention jobs. 

Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Washington previously had a local climate corps, but with the new development, five other states such as Arizona, Utah, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Maryland have also planned to incorporate the ACC program. Each state has its own version that is adapted to fit their environmental goals.

This is the first time since the Great Depression of the 1930s that the U.S Government is mobilizing people for large-scale changes. In the words of Trevor Dolan a climate advocate,  “Green jobs can be good jobs” -- this effectively sums up the mission of the recently passed American Climate Corps.

Sources: White House, NPR, Washington Post, Evergreenjobs