3M’s New Docuseries Focuses on the Power of Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future

A new global docuseries spotlighting individuals working to address climate challenges and the need for more talent to support the green transition is taking center stage at the Fast Company Innovation Festival.

3M debuted the film directed by documentary filmmaker Julio Palacio ahead of New York Climate Week produced by 3M in partnership with Generous Films. It follows five individuals from diverse backgrounds who share their personal journeys as they work across industries to help build a more sustainable future.

“Green Works” was created to build awareness for the vast opportunities available in the green economy and inspire more professionals to join the effort—no matter their industry, expertise, or experience level,” said Gayle Schueller, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, 3M. “The film tells the human side of insights uncovered in the 3M State of Science Insights, a global original research study, that revealed 75% of people say green jobs are crucial to addressing climate change, and many expect to see growth in the green jobs market over the next five years.”

Hosted by actor and producer, Lana Condor, “Green Works” features professionals in renewable energy, electric vehicles, climate education, reforestation and sustainable fashion, “Green Works” demonstrates the powerful impact of green jobs on the planet and its future.

“There is an urgent need for more innovative thinking and diverse approaches to address the challenges of climate change,” said Schueller. “Through science and technology, we can develop solutions that help drive positive impact for communities and the people that live in them – but we need more people in green jobs with the skillsets necessary to innovate, implement and scale-up these solutions. ‘Green Works’ can help inspire and motivate job seekers to pursue a career that accelerates this green transition.”

Greener Job, Greater Purpose

Through five inspiring stories, “Green Works” follows leaders who address climate challenges through roles at start-ups, NGOs and large companies, and highlights how having a green job brings a greater sense of purpose and meaning to their life.

These stories include:

Dov Rosenmann, head of country, Earthworm Foundation, who promotes sustainable practices and enhancing organizational development;

Estefanía Pihen González, formerly the program director for Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS), has worked in sustainability education for over 15 years. She recently joined the California Academy of Sciences as its chief of education and learning;

Ka-young Hyun, application engineer, 3M Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division, who tests the limits of high-temperature flames to ensure the safety and performance of EV batteries;

Matthias Martensen, co-founder and CEO, Ostrom, who is committed to driving Germany’s energy transition by making renewable energy more accessible and inclusive; and

Wang Yilei, secretary general of China Outdoor Association, founder, Sportsinnov.Club, who has over a decade of experience in the Chinese sports industry and helps improve sustainable practices.

Work on Climate Partnership

In addition to the docuseries, 3M is working with Work on Climate, a nonprofit on a mission to build the workforce needed to help solve climate change equitably and justly. Work on Climate is known for building the world’s largest online community that helps professionals find green jobs. Through this work, the organizations aim to offer practical next steps and resources for professionals interested in pursuing a green career, while highlighting the importance of green job development among influential stakeholders, particularly the private sector.

To further expand its global support of green careers, 3Mgives, 3M’s community investment arm, is helping to fund the work of Climate Action Pathways for Schools in California, WorldSkills Germany, Korea Science Service and Earthworm Foundation in Brazil and Canada.

“By investing in some of the great organizations working in this space around the world, we can advance 3M’s longstanding commitment to expanding equity and opportunities in STEM, skilled trades and now, the green economy,” said Michael Stroik, vice president of 3Mgives. “Each of these partners has a proven track record of equipping individuals with skills and resources necessary for an evolving economy. We are honored to collaborate with them and foster a broader conversation around the future of green jobs.”

Accelerating the Green Job Transition

Following the global launch of “Green Works,” 3M will spend New York Climate Week highlighting the need to accelerate the green jobs transition. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 3M will hold a film screening and panel discussion at The Nest Climate Campus. Bill Weber, business building director for 3M Ventures, 3M’s corporate venturing arm, will share the stage with Eugene Kirpichov, founder of Work on Climate; Ben Holzemer, head of human capital management at TPG Rise Climate; Taj Eldridge, managing director of climate innovation for Jobs for the Future; and Estefanía Pihen González, chief of education and learning at California Academy of Sciences; to discuss how we can accelerate green jobs development and the green economy. Together, they will share their expertise on how to better equip both employers and job seekers to seize the opportunity and fill the talent gap.

“Green Works” will be available on-demand via Apple TV and Google Play in the coming weeks.