# How Green Careers Can Be More Accessible to Low-Income Communities

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/how-green-careers-can-be-more-accessible-to-low-income-communities/
- Published: 2021-12-09T10:44:27-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

The proliferation of green careers is no longer a dream or even a goal. It’s a necessity
to prevent the devastating impacts of climate change and fulfill the mission of 
environmental justice. But for low-income [communities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/lochiel-park-green-village-proves-high-value-of-low-carbon-living/),
the promise of green careers remains largely out of reach. It’s principally due 
to the lack of access to higher education and the [dearth](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/ford-increases-soy-content-biofoam-sustainable/)
of green jobs in these areas.

![green community](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/
12/unnamed-3-1.jpg?resize=420%2C315&quality=52&ssl=1)

## Access to Higher Education

The threat of climate change impacts us all. However, historically, it has been 
low-income communities, [particularly communities of color](https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/citi-2020/environmental-justice/3541/),
that have suffered the most, subject to higher levels of environmental pollution
and fewer opportunities to embrace “[green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/going-green-how-have-we-changed-our-lifestyle-for-the-better/)”
practices than more affluent populations.

Though [marginalized communities should benefit most](https://www.calhealthreport.org/2019/04/29/low-income-communities-should-benefit-from-green-economy-report-says/)
from the adoption of environmentally sustainable solutions and the introduction 
of green industries to the community, such efforts to promote a green economy are
too often stifled by the lack of access to higher education. 

While many tout green jobs as the saving grace of [communities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/09/green-circle-salons-revolutionizing-beauty-industry/)
heavily reliant on the fossil fuel industry. For example, the stark [reality remains that the majority of green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/11/jill-and-ally-zarin-green-initiatives-and-reality/)
jobs require a substantial amount of training. Most [green industries require an undergraduate degree](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/from-green-degrees-to-sustainable-careers-the-path-to-sustainable-work/)
in environmental science or engineering. 

[Environmental engineering](https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/blog/fastest-growing-engineering-fields/),
for example, is poised for rapid growth in the years ahead. And a four-year college
degree is a minimum requirement for entry into this field. Environmental engineers
looking to land the most desirable jobs will also often need to have either a graduate
degree or professional certifications beyond the undergraduate level.

And that means that green careers are far too often inaccessible to residents of
low-income communities. Aspiring green workers must first confront the challenge
of [paying for the college education](https://www.job-applications.com/blog/why-does-college-cost-so-much/)
they will need. 

Increasing the accessibility of green careers to low-income communities, then, begins
with an expansion of grant and scholarship opportunities for students from these
communities who wish to pursue “sustainable degrees,” including funding support 
for post-graduate education in environmental engineering.  

## Access to Work

Training a new generation of green workers will be no help to low-income communities
without green job opportunities. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating the problem. Furthermore,
creating a [brain](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/how-does-climate-change-impact-the-brain/)
drain in communities already struggling with poverty and ravaged by a history of
environmental injustice.

Thus, increasing access to higher education for students from low-income communities
must be twinned with the support of government and NGOs in developing [the green economy in these communities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/epa-helps-22-communities-to-meet-their-sustainability-goals-and-foster-economic-development/).
Students pursuing [sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/top-tips-for-cyclists-on-the-road/)
degrees, for instance, can receive aid. Like federal scholarships, grants, or student
loan forgiveness if they return to their [communities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/students-university-encourage-green-living/)
to aid in the development of the green economy.

The need for this two-pronged approach is critical. Emphasizing both education and
employment extends beyond the students and workers directly involved in the emerging
green economy. The economies of many of these communities have roots in the fossil
fuel industry. Therefore, resistance to the transition to green industries may be
strong. 

And there is perhaps no better way to mitigate a community’s fears than to provide
tangible proof of the positive impacts of the [green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/08/community-eco-live-living-green-life/)
economy on residents’ quality of life than to link the green transition to better
education and higher-paying and more stable jobs in the community.

Looking for a [sustaining engineer job](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/green-careers-jobs-in-sustainability-for-all-levels/)?
Give [Jooble](https://jooble.org/jobs-sustaining-engineer) a try.

## The Takeaway

[Green careers are the future](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/10/airports-going-green-a-sustainable-future/)
of the global workforce. But low-income communities fall behind, despite having 
the most to gain from the transition to the green economy. However, by overcoming
barriers to higher education and access to green jobs that can change. Low-income
communities can lead the way in achieving environmental justice. In addition to 
protecting future generations from the threat of climate change. 

_**Author:** Noah Rue_

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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