The International Labor Organization estimates there will be 24 million climate jobs worldwide by 2030. Deloitte anticipates more than 300 million “green collar” gigs 20 years later. But a good green job must be environmentally responsible and prioritize working conditions, livable wages, and career growth opportunities.

How do we get there? We need equitable access to such employment across all communities. Companies and organizations have an opportunity to create jobs that both address the climate crisis and sustain workers financially, better enabling them to build long-term careers in this industry. And businesses must focus on diversity and inclusion in doing so.

According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Energy, 61% of clean energy workers are white and 73% are men. Women represent less than 30% of all employees in this sector, while Black and Latino workers account for only 8% and 16.5% of the clean energy workforce, respectively. A lack of funding, education, flexible training, and services such as childcare further hobbles efforts to diversify this burgeoning field.

This chasm has the potential to become even more pronounced as global warming approaches 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and trillions are spent to mitigate and adapt to climate change. People of color, women, and low-income communities are on the frontlines of this crisis, yet research shows they’re not invested in or supported to fully participate in finding climate solutions. And there’s no clear path forward to create equitable access to these green jobs.

But to fairly transition away from extractive industries, businesses and organizations must consider what they can do to build a green economy that attracts, retains, and empowers a diverse climate workforce. This will benefit both companies and the communities they serve.

A more diverse workforce means more diverse (and effective) climate solutions

Organizations that are willing to focus on diversity and equity as they evolve to address climate issues will draw a wider array of perspectives and expertise. This is an opportunity to rethink not just the green economy, but also our entire economy and the role leaders have to shift that conversation and create true corporate accountability. Plus, better hiring practices can be a boon for the bottom line. Research shows that a majority of workers believe increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workspace is beneficial. Additionally, companies that hold above-average diversity scores drive 45% average revenue from innovation, while companies with below-average diversity scores drive only 26%.

Closing the green skills gap can lead to long-term workforce development opportunities

Millions of new jobs are expected to build the infrastructure and systems necessary to move away from fossil fuels, but leaders first need to address the barriers preventing more people of color, women, and local workers from entering this field. There is a dearth of training and clear pathways to bring new talent into this space. And often, existing opportunities are unpaid or require a college degree. Organizations can help improve access by hosting listening workshops with local community members to understand what’s preventing them from pursuing green jobs. These could include assessing education gaps and how climate jobs are advertised. Once the needs of potential applicants are clear, businesses can be more strategic in how they reach them by funding fellowships, paid internships, and accelerator programs to find and train new talent faster.

Green career pathways can open up long-term opportunities for public-private partnerships

Institutions that focus on equity must also consider how new climate technology can negatively affect frontline communities. Some environmental justice groups are concerned climate initiatives or startups could, for example, displace these communities. To mitigate that risk, companies should: ensure community members are involved in decisions, invest in giving local leaders and entrepreneurs the skills and resources they need, and prioritize buying and investing in tools and services supplied by women and people of color. These kinds of public-private partnerships can address inequities at the source by fostering an environment for workers to earn better wages while improving their health and well-being.

An increasing number of people, especially young people, are drawn to organizations that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. This is a pivotal moment for all leaders to act with the future of our planet and equitable access to green jobs in mind. The creation of a fairer, greener workforce will be critical to reduce emissions, improve climate resiliency, and empower sidelined communities with the tools and resources they need to lead and protect the places and people they cherish. The time to shift is now. Are you ready?

This article was produced in partnership with Intersectional Environmentalist.

Kristy Drutman is the co-founder of Green Jobs Board, a platform that creates accessible pathways and conversations that enable trust, transparency, and inclusion between job-seekers and employers. Green Jobs Board’s mission is to empower all job-seekers with the education and tools needed to build impactful careers that solve the climate crisis.