Code Red for Humanity’s Future Work

Dan Smolen discusses how the Code Red for Humanity’s future work will deal with existential crisis. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that humans have changed Earth in ways both dire and irreversible. The IPCC calls this a “code red for humanity.” Without intervention, during the next 20 years, human activity will cause Earth to get 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter. In the United States, that means a 2.7 degree Fahrenheit increase in the average temperature. We know that if we do nothing to mitigate climate change, heavily populated parts of the Eastern Seaboard will drown. Already this June, extreme heat on the West Coast of the United States cooked mussels in their shells. The threat to planet and people is indeed dire. But, the Code Red for Humanity’s future work can help to ensure that Earth is habitable for future generations. Dan applies his career journey components to the work we do and hope to do, to tackle the dire threat head on: Dream to visualize work that will make you happy and well purposed. That may take you to great project management opportunities in sustainability, or, capitalize on the specialized skill you already have (such as accounting or finance or market research and analytics) in an assignment at a clean energy or sustainability focused company. Explore opportunities by Googling. Use wide search parameters to locate companies, such as B Corporations, that are clearly chartered to protect the planet and people. Then narrow the parameters to identify companies that are in close proximity to your geographic location. Strategize to increase your successful work search outcomes. And do that by intentionally building your LinkedIn network. Act intentionally to jump at great opportunities that arise quickly. Quick action also benefits people who operate as cleantech entrepreneurs or do side hustles that may turn into full-time opportunities within purpose driven companies. Through career intentionality, the Code Red for Humanity’s future work can be profound, protect the planet, and empower people. In other words, it can lead us all to meaningful work. EPISODE DATE: August 13, 2021