Jobs and Education for the 21st Century
The path to a brighter future lies in modernizing jobs and education, writes Lynne Agress. During the extended government shutdown, thousands of workers, especially younger ones, must reconsider their career prospects. Recent college and high school graduates face similar challenges. While patience is necessary as training and retraining take time, there is hope ahead. That hope is in creating jobs suited for the 21st century—opportunities for both unskilled and highly skilled workers that can lead to widespread success.
Addressing Climate Change Through Employment
Climate change presents one of the most serious threats to our environment worldwide if left unaddressed. From devastating hurricanes and dramatic temperature fluctuations to floods, fires, and pollution, the planet risks becoming unlivable for humans, plants, and animals.
Combating climate change requires a wide range of roles: research, analysis, construction, and policy development. Thousands of quality jobs could emerge as governments recognize and act on this critical issue.
“Acting on climate change will save cities such as New York and parts of Florida from drowning and will save polar bears and other animals in the rapidly melting Arctic.”
The Broader Impact on Environment and Health
Climate change is part of a larger shift in our environment, including air quality. A notable positive effect of COVID-19 lockdowns was the reduction of pollution in major cities, caused by fewer cars and trucks on the road.
Summary
Modernizing education and creating future-focused jobs, especially in climate-related fields, offers a vital opportunity to secure economic and environmental well-being for the 21st century.