In a significant move towards empowering government employees in their fight against climate change, Apolitical has announced that it has received a generous $2 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund. This funding will bolster the organization’s ambitious Climate Campus initiative, aimed at equipping public servants with essential skills and knowledge to effectively address climate challenges.
Recent findings from Apolitical’s Government Green Skills Survey revealed a striking disparity: while 68% of public servants acknowledge the impact of climate change on their work, only 35% have received any formal climate-related training. The Climate Campus, which launched its pilot phase in January 2023 with support from the Bezos Earth Fund and expertise from the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment at the University of Oxford, seeks to bridge this crucial training gap.
The Climate Campus currently offers a robust curriculum of 13 courses developed in collaboration with various governments and leading academic institutions, including the World Resources Institute and RMI. So far, over 40,000 public servants across countries like the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates have participated in the training, surpassing the initial goal for the pilot phase by six times.
With the new funding, Apolitical aims to expand its offerings to include seven additional online training modules covering vital topics such as low-carbon transitions, forest management, and the development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Furthermore, the program will introduce communities of practice, leadership briefings, live virtual masterclasses, and in-person gatherings, with a particular focus on key countries including the United States, Brazil, India, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Robyn Scott, CEO and co-founder of Apolitical, emphasizes the urgency of this initiative: “Governments are essential climate actors and are increasingly aware of the need for strategic partners to rapidly upskill their large workforces. The government green skills gap is a critical global threat to climate action. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the Bezos Earth Fund and our expert partners to provide the evidence-backed training that governments urgently need.”
Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Governments need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand what needs to be done and to deliver transformative policies, programs, and services. The Bezos Earth Fund is proud to partner with Apolitical at this critical juncture.”
Editorial Perspective: The Path Forward
Apolitical’s proactive approach in tackling the skills gap within government agencies underscores its potential to create lasting impact in the realm of climate action. By focusing on comprehensive training and collaboration with esteemed institutions, Apolitical is not only addressing immediate training needs but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. The commitment to upskill public servants on a global scale reflects an understanding that effective governance is paramount in the climate crisis.
Moreover, as climate change increasingly influences policy decisions, initiatives like the Climate Campus are vital. They equip leaders with the tools necessary to implement effective strategies that resonate with their communities. The ambitious goal of training 12 million public servants by 2026 is an inspiring target that showcases Apolitical’s determination to transform governmental capacities worldwide. This forward-thinking vision could serve as a blueprint for other organizations aiming to foster systemic change in the face of climate challenges.
If you need further assistance or have any corrections, please reach out to editor@thetimesmag.com.
