This past New York Climate Week (NYCW), we were fortunate to participate in a series of discussions at the intersection of tech, climate justice, and green jobs. Our participation was funded by Finance Engage Sustain, where we decided to focus on understanding how equity, employment, and the environment converge within the growing green economy. Here’s a breakdown of our key takeaways from various panels and discussions, with an emphasis on the role of youth in addressing global climate challenges.

The Role of AI in Circular Economies and Accountability

We attended the Fashion Fusion Tech Summit at FIT on our first day at NYCW. While the fashion industry is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, it is also one of the most environmentally harmful sectors being the second largest polluter behind oil. What stood out in these conversations was how technology, particularly AI, is being leveraged to track impact, manage supply chains, and reduce overproduction. The panel emphasized that while many companies are moving toward circular models, the primary motivation remains cost-effectiveness rather than environmental impact.

The use of AI in managing inventory, designing digital-only products, and creating transparency in supply chains is accelerating change, but the “elephant in the room” remains overconsumption. From 3D fitting to digital fashion, the challenge is shifting mindsets—especially in a world driven by fast fashion and hyperconsumerism. The most sustainable product is the one not produced, the second most sustainable is the one that is already owned and third is the one that is sustainably produced. As simple as it sounds, it’s a cultural shift that needs to be embraced, especially by younger generations.

The panels also touched on policy solutions, including tax incentives and regulations like the Waste Framework Directive and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive in the European Union. These policies, while critical, need to be paired with genuine responsibility within companies to drive meaningful change, especially in sectors like fashion where most players are SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

Canada’s Path Toward Green Jobs and Just Transitions

At the Meanwhile in Canada Panel hosted by the Trottier Foundation, panelists explored Canada’s unique challenge in balancing its role as a major oil and gas producer with the urgent need for climate action, highlighting efforts to transition to clean energy and reduce emissions. We learned about inspiring efforts, like deep canvassing in local communities from Neighbours United, an organization pushing for electric infrastructure in new buildings.

It was clear, though, that Canada still lacks the political will to fully implement necessary green transitions. However, despite these struggles there is potential. We heard from Executive Director of Finance Enagage Sustain, Kat Candungog, that funding innovative projects like Alberta’s bike infrastructure program with a mere $10k quickly grew into a $100 million investment. Programs like these could lead to a new wave of green jobs that are desperately needed, especially in rural and remote communities.

One of the most insightful discussions we had with our US-based peers was about the American Climate Corps, and the new Environmental Justice Corps program which was unveiled earlier that week. The Environmental Justice Climate Corps is a partnership between the EPA and AmeriCorps aimed at providing environmental justice career pathways for young people, especially from disadvantaged communities. This initiative will mobilize over 250 AmeriCorps VISTA members nationwide to support low-income and marginalized communities through climate resilience and clean energy projects, offering paid service, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

This sparked a conversation about how Canada could adopt similar initiatives through programs like a Youth Climate Corps, creating a pipeline of green jobs for the next generation. The growing awareness of just transitions—ensuring that no one is left behind in the green economy —was a significant theme we discussed with our BIPOC peers and colleagues throughout the week.

Climate Philanthropy and Unlocking Grants for the Green Economy

Our key takeaways from the How to Unlock Climate Grants panel hosted by Pioneer made it clear that funders are increasingly looking for technical expertise and demonstrable return on investment (ROI). With grant funding becoming more competitive, especially in tech-driven solutions, the focus is not just on great ideas but on partnerships, proof of impact, and an ability to meet strict compliance requirements.

For emerging BIPOC climate leaders, the challenge of accessing grants is compounded by systemic barriers. Many grant applications are labour-intensive, with AI technology potentially playing a role in cutting down the application time. However, access to AI tools and the expertise to navigate the system remains limited in marginalized communities.

What was clear from this panel is that to truly unlock the potential of climate grants, particularly in Canada, we need not just to build capacity in grant writing but also to create strategic partnerships across sectors. This can reduce administrative burdens associated with funding and can open up critical pathways for BIPOC-led initiatives in climate justice, technology, and sustainability by giving us the capacity we need to work on our initiatives.

Cultivating Community Partnerships: The Green Career Centre’s Role

Moving forward, the conversations we had at the Green Jobs Pavilion were especially illuminating. These discussions gave us insight into the types of partnerships and community relationships that need to be cultivated to foster a thriving green economy. The idea that “every job could be a climate job” resonated deeply with us, especially as we consider how to grow the Green Career Centre in Canada.

Collaborating with community partners like Green Workforce Connect, Inco Academy, and SostenHub focused on green workforce development is crucial, and we’re looking forward to adding some of their micro-credentials, training and jobs to our Green Skills Mapping Tool. We further learned that the demand for fractional roles—where individuals work with multiple organizations—can provide an opportunity to diversify skill sets and strengthen resilience in climate jobs. Creating pipelines for marginalized youth to enter these roles is essential, especially with the rise of eco-anxiety and the monumental mental health burden that young people are carrying as they navigate climate careers.

Final Reflections: Green Jobs as a Pathway to Climate Equity

New York Climate Week reinforced that we are at a pivotal moment in history. The intersection of green jobs, equity, and the environment is becoming more apparent as industries, governments, and communities rally around climate action. Yet, the challenge lies in ensuring that these new opportunities are accessible to all, especially to BIPOC communities that have historically and systematically been excluded from decision making.

As we work on growing the Green Career Centre, we are reminded of the critical need for equitable access to climate jobs and pathways for youth to take leadership roles. It’s not enough to create jobs; we must ensure that they are just, accessible, and provide a real sense of belonging and purpose for those entering this space. The American Climate Corps offers valuable lessons in creating scalable solutions, and we hope to see similar momentum in Canada.

With the insights we’ve gathered during New York Climate Week, we’re excited about what lies ahead. Now, more than ever, the work we do today will shape the future of our communities and the planet.