By Paige Albright
Boston University News Service
In the face of a looming climate crisis and political power transitions, Boston city leaders unveiled a new initiative to protect the environment and economy. The new initiative will create 12,000 jobs dedicated to combating the climate crisis through the new Coastal Resilience Workforce Alliance, announced on Monday at a press conference at City Hall.
The Gilded Eagle in the Eagle Room at Boston City Hall was barely visible due to the crowd of attendees. The Innovative’s defining feature is an innovative collaboration to build a green workforce, engaging both private and public sectors in protecting Boston’s 47 miles of coastline, said Stephen Berlack of the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, a climate advocate, briefed the crowd about the initiative’s promise for the future. Markey acknowledged concerns surrounding political transitions but assured that the new funding is under contract and can’t be revoked.
“We’re here to celebrate nearly $10 million in federal funds for a landmark climate resilience workforce,” said Markey. “We are responding like it’s a Midnight climate message like Paul Revere.”
Markey added, “With all of the oil and gas Trump is naming to his cabinet, he isn’t naming a cabinet he is naming a cartel. We must protect ourselves against it. We have to do everything we can to protect this city.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized continuing Boston’s legacy as a city of innovation. She wants to mobilize leaders and residents in Boston to spearhead the initiative to protect the city. Through this workforce, she hopes to tackle issues like the cost of living and job security, while setting up the city to be “climate ready.”
“If we want to continue to be the best home for innovators, we must protect our own,” said Wu. “We know that right now the cost of living is making it difficult for families everywhere, in many cases workers cannot afford to take the upfront cost of investing to get into a new industry, that is unacceptable in Boston, we refuse to leave talent on the table.”
Funding for this initiative came from the Inflation Reduction Act and is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s nine sea grant initiatives, explained Jainey Bavishi. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for NOAA. The program aims to create careers in green industries while providing opportunities and economic mobility for American workers, said Bavishi.
Building a workforce to protect the environment will establish Boston as a leader in climate action, said Gabriela Coletta Zapata, Chair of the environmental justice, sustainability and parks committee.
“This $9.8 million is going to be a game changer for Boston’s climate change resilience and workforce development. There is a critical need for a skilled workforce within the blue and green economies to address climate challenges and protect our coastlines,” said Zapata. “This funding is about economic opportunity, the alliance is a collaborative approach and a step forward to a more sustainable and inclusive Boston. Collective action will shape Boston’s place as a climate leader.”
