Climate Jobs Institute

As the applied research and education partner of the Climate Jobs National Resource Center, the Climate Jobs Institute is helping the labor movement build a positive and proactive vision for tackling the climate crisis at the speed and scale that science demands while maximizing high-quality job creation and broadly shared economic prosperity.

While many of our reports are roadmaps for US states to tackle the intertwined crises of climate and inequality, we also study underexplored labor questions related to the green transition. This includes a first-of-its-kind study of working conditions in the solar industry from a workers' perspective and an exploration of initiatives such as pre-apprenticeship programs that can expand access to good union jobs.

As part of the outreach arm of Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations School, a New York State land-grant college, the Climate Jobs Institute is committed to its public service mission to improve the lives of workers. This section highlights the public recognition and impact of our efforts, as we empower and support a labor-led movement for a just and sustainable future.

Over the past few years, the Climate Jobs Institute has engaged more than 150 undergraduate and graduate students who have impacted our work by:

• Contributing to applied research and public policy projects as undergraduate research fellows and graduate research assistants 
• Transitioning to full-time roles post-graduation (already three interns have joined the Climate Jobs Institute as full-time researchers)
• Organizing and participating in educational activities

We have also collaborated with students beyond Cornell University, most notably with Columbia Climate School students to produce a report on accelerating offshore wind deployment in the US while ensuring high-quality job creation.

Welcome to our Commentary section, where we provide concise analyses on current climate policies, programs, and initiatives—always through the lens of high-quality job creation. We also spark and contribute to conversations that highlight the crucial link between good climate jobs and effective climate action.