Climate Jobs Summit: From Ambition to Action

Did you know it was Climate Week NYC a couple of weeks ago? If not, it was a week filled with panel discussions, networking events, and union member activist trainings all in the effort to make an equitable clean energy economy a reality! 

The Climate Jobs Summit: From Ambition to Action on September 21 brought together climate jobs coalitions, labor leaders, union climate activists, environmental advocates, policymakers, scientists, and allies in our shared mission to build an equitable renewable energy economy powered by good union jobs. The Summit had nearly 1,500 participants and included keynote speakers like Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President, National Climate Advisor, and Vice-Chair of the National Climate Task Force; Jennifer Granholm, Secretary, Department of Energy; and Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO.

We also had our New York labor leaders: Gary LaBarbera, Vinny Alvarez, Mike Fishman, John Murphy and Bill Lynn discuss the work of Climate Jobs NY in fighting for strong labor standards throughout the clean energy economy. While addressing the intersecting crises of climate and inequality is daunting, we know the future of the labor movement is bright and will be crucial to making green energy a reality for New Yorkers.

CJNY was also present throughout NYC. On the High Line we were joined by union members from IBEW Local 3 and Ironworkers Locals 40 & 361 as one of our founding CJNY principals, Mike Fishman, President and Executive Director of the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, talked about the importance of strong labor standards in offshore wind & clean energy development as we transition to a more equitable green economy.

It was a great discussion, and big thanks to our brothers and sisters from State of Green and the Danish Clean Energy Hub for organizing the event. 

Lastly, we had a FUN session with union members from across NY’s labor movement about the intersecting crises of climate and social and economic inequality. Union members practiced telling their stories about how climate has impacted them personally and on the job, what a good union job has meant to them, and why we need to fight climate change while creating good union jobs. We know that by sharing our experiences with one another and decision-makers, we can demonstrate the importance of strong labor standards in clean energy development.

(L-R) Sean Ross Collins, Office of Senator Anna Kaplan, Mariah Dignan, Adrienne Esposito, ED of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and State Senator Anna Kaplan.

Bond Act Press Conference

CJNY joined our state elected officials and environmental and industry groups, to urge New Yorkers to vote Yes on Proposition 1 this Election Day, November 8th. The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act is crucial to fight for our planet and create green union jobs for decades to come. This investment in renewable energy and climate resiliency projects will help ensure that our residents, businesses and communities not only survive but thrive!

Please check out more information about the bond act here. 

What’s Brewin’ Offshore - Oktoberfest in Albany!

It’s already time for our next “What’s Brewin’ Offshore? Oktoberfest edition! Please join us on October 13 from 6-8 pm at the City Beer Hall in Albany to hear about offshore wind updates and the latest on all things ports & manufacturing. RSVP here, and please share with your friends, family, and colleagues in the Albany area!

Carbon-Free Healthy Schools Initiative

Climate Jobs NY staff have been hard at work spreading the word about the benefits a Carbon Free and Healthy Schools initiative would produce throughout New York City, including recent briefings for the offices of Borough Presidents and City Councilmembers and several union locals. And the campaign is looking to engage with Community Boards, Community Education Councils, and other groups on the ground in the coming months, to urge NYC Mayor Adams to invest in decarbonizing the largest public school system in the nation. If you are a Community Board member, or a part of an organization who would like to learn more about the initiative and how to get involved, reach out to Campaign Director Tory Kaso via email at tkaso@climatejobsny.org.