Climate change is causing major shifts in the global economy across all industries. Businesses are increasingly impacted by climate-driven threats and supply chain disruptions at the same time that they are working to navigate the urgent transition to a low-carbon future.

This transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy presents an enormous opportunity for inclusive economic growth, with the potential to create nearly 375 million new jobs by 2030. However, realizing these benefits will require not only innovative technologies and business models, but also a reskilled workforce prepared to enter new jobs and build climate resilience from the ground up.

To succeed in a changing climate, and to ensure that the benefits of this growth are equitably shared, both developed and developing economies must be prepared with roadmaps to establish and support an inclusive, resilient workforce.

About the CREST Initiative

Climate-Resilient Employees for a Sustainable Tomorrow (CREST) is a 5-year, $25 million career preparation and reskilling initiative by the Ares Foundation. Recognizing the need to link the energy transition with economic equity, CREST intends to advance workforce solutions that increase access to quality jobs. The Ares Foundation has partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and WRI on this initiative to design and deliver scalable solutions in the U.S. and India.

Read our Flagship Study

CREST Partners and Process

The Ares Foundation’s grants to WRI and JFF unite expertise in the future of work, sustainable development and economic resilience. These partners will develop green workforce solutions in collaboration with experts in local communities, academic institutions, businesses and climate entrepreneurs.

  • WRI India is strengthening the resilience of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India to climate impacts, while enabling a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • In addition, WRI Global is leading what is thought to be the first major initiative to spotlight workforce blind spots in large, multinational companies' supply chain goals.
  • JFF will help prepare an inclusive, skilled green sector workforce in the U.S. through research, job training, identification of regional solutions and support for climate innovators.

Expected Outcomes

Globally, CREST is aimingto reach at least 12 million leaders, educators, business professionals, enterprise owners, employees and job seekers through information sharing and dissemination.

  • Across the world, CREST will help at least 25,000 people enter quality jobs and reach a minimum of 100,000 individuals through exposure or training. It will also generate evidence-based guidance to encourage a more inclusive approach to supply chain strategy.
  • In India, CREST will help reskill at least 1,000 MSME workers across two climate-vulnerable regions and raise awareness of the economic opportunity that these jobs offer.

Explore WRI's workstreams in the US and India:

Image credit from left: Nick Fewings/Unsplash and Steffi Olickal/WRI India

Cover image by Nandhu Kumar/Unsplash