The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has opened competitive bidding for the Climate-Ready Workforce for Coastal States, Tribes and Territories Initiative.
The aim of the effort is to connect people across the nation to well-paying jobs with career opportunities that are aimed at tackling the climate crisis.
NOAA indicated that it would allocate US$60 million (~€53.4 million) of funding split into two: $50 million will go towards direct funding, while a further $10 million will go toward technical assistance dan support to grantees and applicants.
Commenting on the opportunity, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated:
“A climate-resilient nation requires a climate-ready workforce. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re launching the Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to provide major funding and assistance to qualified public, private and other organizations so they can train workers and help them find good paying jobs that will strengthen climate resilience and enhance their local economies.”
While Wayne Higgins, the director of NOAA’s Climate Program Office, stated:
“A skilled, diverse and fairly compensated workforce is essential to help bolster the nation’s climate resilience. Through this competition, we will partner with employers, trade organizations and community-based organizations. We will help partners leverage climate services so they can place training participants in good jobs that enhance climate resilience.”
On the other hand, the National Sea Grant College Program Director Jonathan Pennock added:
“There’s a major need across coastal and Great Lakes communities for workers who are ready to address the challenges of climate change. Sea Grant’s innovative approach of providing science solutions to communities, along with the Climate Program Office’s support of high-priority climate science will help tailor workforce solutions to address community needs.”
You can find out more information and explore funding opportunities here.
