Jobs and education for the 21st century
Adapting Work and Learning for the Future
Lynne Agress writes that a brighter future depends on modernizing both jobs and education. With many government employees out of work during the prolonged shutdown, people—especially younger workers—must consider their career paths and the types of employment that will thrive ahead. Recent graduates from high schools and colleges face similar challenges.
Preparing Through Patience and Training
Change requires patience. Training and retraining take time, but progress is possible. There is light at the end of the tunnel: new employment opportunities suited for the 21st century, ranging from entry-level to highly technical roles. These jobs can help create a stable and promising future for all.
Responding to Climate Change
One major sector of opportunity is environmental action. Climate change remains one of the most serious global threats. If ignored, it will worsen natural disasters such as hurricanes, extreme temperature swings, floods, wildfires, and pollution—putting both humanity and wildlife at risk.
“Acting on climate change will save cities such as New York and parts of Florida from drowning and will save polar bears and other animals in the rapidly melting Arctic.”
To confront this challenge, we need new research, analysis, construction, and policy positions. Once government commitment grows, thousands of valuable jobs could emerge to help rebuild and protect our planet. Addressing environmental change, including air quality, is crucial for sustaining life.
Learning from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic offered a glimpse of how change in behavior can benefit the planet. With fewer vehicles on the roads, many major cities experienced measurable declines in pollution levels. This illustrates how adapting our systems and habits can lead to cleaner, more sustainable environments.
Author’s Summary
Modern education and climate-driven job growth will define future success—progress depends on training, adaptation, and meaningful environmental action.