Preston D. Cole, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a panelist for “The Future of Green Jobs,” on August 24 at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society.

Secretary Cole will be joined by employees and business owners to discuss their experience in the Green Jobs sector and future employment opportunities.  Panelists will be introduced by Rafael Smith, Civic Engagement Program Director at Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde. This event is offered as part of “10 Big Ideas” presented for public input by Milwaukee’s Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity. It is co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

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Green Jobs include more than solar panel installers. If Milwaukee is to address climate change and benefit from the shift to clean energy, it will need to recruit, train, and hire workers in multiple industries connected to the green economy. This event will address some questions about what constitutes a Green Job, the earnings potential, and how one can enter this sector. Secretary Preston Cole will be joined by panelists Chris Martinez, the owner of Dairyland Energy Solutions; Michele Robinson, a journeyman electrician; and Demetrius Thompson, a journeyman plumber.

Developing a workforce to fill potential Green Jobs through a Green Jobs Accelerator is one of “10 Big Ideas” to come out of the Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity, which has brought together community members and leaders to create a Climate and Equity Plan. The purpose of the plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and to create jobs targeted to people of color and those with limited economic opportunity.

The Future of Green Jobs is one of several public events being offered this summer and fall. They are designed to provide information about the ideas being explored by Task Force members and to seek public input.  Information gathered at these events will be used by Task Force members to inform their final proposals.

This event is co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, both of which are represented on the Milwaukee City-County Task Force on Climate and Economic Equity.

The Future of Green Jobs event will take place from 6:00PM to 7:30PM at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 West Center Street. There is no charge for this event. Masks are required. Capacity is limited, so those wishing to attend are encouraged to register in advance. Information is also available online at https://city.milwaukee.gov/Climate-Plan

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.