Climate change is causing major shifts in the global economy across all industries. Businesses are increasingly impacted by climate-driven threats and supply chain disruptions at the same time that they are working to navigate the urgent transition to a low-carbon future.

This transition to a green, decarbonized economy presents an enormous opportunity for inclusive economic growth, with the potential to generate annual business value of up to $10 trillion and create 395 million new jobs by 2030. However, realizing these benefits will require not only innovative technologies and business models, but also a reskilled workforce prepared to enter new jobs and build climate resiliency from the ground up.

To succeed in a changing climate, and to ensure that the benefits of this growth are equitably shared, both developed and developing economies must be prepared with roadmaps to establish and support an inclusive, resilient workforce.

About the CREST Initiative

Climate-Resilient Employees for a Sustainable Tomorrow (CREST) is a 5-year, $25 million career preparation and reskilling initiative by the Ares Foundation. CREST aims to advance workforce solutions that increase equitable access to high-opportunity, high-paying jobs in a growing green economy. The Ares Foundation has partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and World Resources Institute (WRI) to execute on this initiative, with the intent to design and deliver scalable solutions in the U.S. and India.

CREST Digital Magazine

CREST Partners and Process

The Ares Foundation’s grants to WRI and JFF unite expertise in the future of work, sustainable development and equity. These partners will develop green workforce solutions in collaboration with experts in local communities, academic institutions, businesses and climate entrepreneurs.

  • WRI India will seek to build the resilience of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India to climate impacts, while enabling a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • In addition, WRI Global will lead what is thought to be the first major initiative to encourage large, multinational companies to recognize and include the voices of small businesses when developing supply chain policies.
  • JFF will help prepare an inclusive, skilled green sector workforce in the U.S. through research, job training, identification of regional solutions and support for climate innovators.

Expected Outcomes

Globally, CREST is expected to reach at least 12 million leaders, educators, business professionals, enterprise owners, employees and job seekers through information sharing and dissemination.

  • Across the world, CREST will help at least 25,000 people enter high-opportunity, high-wage green jobs and reach a minimum of 100,000 individuals through exposure or training. It will also generate evidence-based guidance to encourage a more inclusive approach to supply chain strategy.
  • In India, CREST will help reskill at least 1,000 MSME workers in two states and raise awareness about opportunities for climate-resilient careers.

Explore WRI's workstreams in the US and India:

Image credit from left: Nick Fewings/Unsplash and Steffi Olickal/WRI India

Cover image by Nandhu Kumar/Unsplash