North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (VolunteerNC) will create the North Carolina Climate Action Corps as part of the Climate Action Corps National Expansion Pilot through the California Volunteers with 25 members across the state.
“In North Carolina, we have prioritized the transition to clean energy and this expansion will bolster our efforts,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. “This project will strengthen our clean energy workforce as we continue to lead the way toward a clean energy future.”
The NC Climate Action Corps will help programs grow with funding to develop unique training programs, explore pathways to climate industry jobs, Climate Action Corps branding to increase visibility and recruitment as well as opportunity to expand to additional programs in the state.
Their goals include:
- enlist service members for projects to address heat island effects by establishing tree cover and engaging community members in learning about the role of trees in improving air quality and absorbing carbon
- assist communities to manage hazardous fuels and reintroducing prescribed fire to protect communities from future wildfires
- address flood risk to build and restore living shorelines, manage riparian buffers, and implement land management practices that buffer communities from the impacts of flooding and extreme storms
- promote healthy food systems by working with communities to identify and build out community garden or urban/suburban agriculture
Under Governor Cooper’s leadership, North Carolina is leading the way to a clean energy economy while protecting our environment. In January 2022, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order No. 246 affirming the state’s commitment to a clean energy economy and directing next steps in the state’s plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions while creating economic opportunities for all North Carolinians
For more information about North Carolina Climate Action Corps, visit the website.