Why people are switching to climate tech

According to research, to reach climate goals by 2050, 60 % of emissions reduction will come from existing mature technology. For the rest of those emissions, we're counting on technologies waiting to be developed or discovered. 

As the sense of urgency is increasing, it's no wonder many people want to switch to climate tech companies and roles, using their skills to help fight climate change. 

Making the world a better place

Climate tech has become the fastest-growing vertical in Europe; the sector saw $11B in 2021 versus $1.1B invested in 2017. Globally, the share of green talent in the workforce has increased by more than 38% since 2015.

While the sense of urgency contributes to the industry's growth, the real reasons workers are switching to a career in climate tech are far more complex. For some, it's about impacting their own and loved ones' lives and doing something that makes the world a better place. For others, it's about getting in on the ground floor of an industry with tremendous growth potential as we move into a carbon-free future.

Seth Collins, Head of Academic Programs at Terra.do, a professional network and platform for climate work, talked about how the pandemic caused a significant shift of priorities in many people's lives: 

"What we most often see is that Covid gave many people time to pause, reflect, and reassess why they are doing what they are doing (what should they be doing for their kids, the earth, and their lives). They came to realise that climate change is the defining challenge of our time and made a commitment to themselves to work on being part of the solution".

He continued: "Most of our fellows tell us, 'I could either know that I choose to be part of the solution or not be part of the solution'. When it gets that black and white, the decision becomes easy. It just happens to also be a place where more money and talent is flowing than ever before, and a growing number of policies in place and accelerating innovations tell us that the transition of our economy to being one that is sustainable and in alignment with the health of the planet is only accelerating faster. They see that this is the necessary real, tangible future. Not the meta-future".

The path to a sustainable future

For anyone interested in transitioning to a career in climate tech, it might be hard to know where to start. The good news is that, depending on experience, there are countless ways to work on climate in our careers.  

A good way to start is by checking out platforms and connecting with people within the tech community that could use your help to work on climate solutions. Terra.do, for example, offers resources, programs and climate career fairs for people looking to switch. Other platforms include Climate Draft, Climate People, and Work on Climate.

A reason for hope and optimism

Although climate tech plays a vital role in helping drive environmental sustainability, it's important to note that it is far from the only solution. While we can all do our part as individuals, governments and leaders must take responsibility and action for us to be able to reach the net-zero goals by 2050. 

It's understandable to be cynical about efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change — but there is also a reason for hope and optimism. With an increasing number of people joining the fight in various ways, one thing is sure: you are not alone. 

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We’re transforming the logistics industry and looking for more talent to join our mission. Check out our careers page to see if your next opportunity is here at HIVED. 

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