The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced a department program that supports adapting to climate change and improving resilience.
The DHS indicated the Climate Change Professionals Program recruits recent graduates and current federal employees while serving as a new endeavor through the DHS Climate Change Action Group (CCAG) established last year by DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
The CCAG consists of senior officials from across DHS and focuses on promoting resilience while addressing multiple climate change-related risks, including flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfires.
“The Climate Change Professionals Program will be instrumental in helping the Department adapt to our changing climate by providing hands-on experience and guidance to young professionals interested in climate adaptation and resilience,” Mayorkas said regarding the
two-year program operated by the DHS Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer. “This program will develop the next generation of climate experts, improve climate literacy throughout the Department and help us execute our Climate Action Plan to remain mission-resilient while reducing our own impacts on the environment.”
Participants completing the program are slated to receive a Climate Change Professional accreditation from the Association of Climate Change Officers and be eligible for permanent, full-time positions at DHS.