Alumni Profile: Partnering with unions for a more sustainable future
grew up in Miami, Cape Avalon Spanish As a first-generation American born in the Netherlands and Cuba, I am no stranger to climate catastrophe—two regions, like southern Florida, that are extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels and climate change.
It is this first-hand experience and historical knowledge that inspires Spaniards to seek careers focused on climate science, hoping to contribute to a more environmentally just and sustainable society.
Spence, who now works in the field of industrial relations, talks about their educational journey, ongoing projects, and how to effectively participate in the larger movement.
What inspired you to pursue climate science?
My personal experience and exposure to climate change impacts. I believe there is an opportunity to use climate change as a catalyst to correct historical inequalities, not just in the United States, but around the world.
Why did you join the Climate and Society Initiative? What skills have you developed? How have these skills translated into your career?
Initially, I applied for a PhD in the Sustainability Program School of International and Public Affairs. However, I was recommended to join Climate and Society as it was more in line with my original professional interest of using the climate transition to create a more just and sustainable society.The program taught me critical thinking skills to analyze large problems and how to use different types of thinking to make informed decisions policy Decide.Access to powerful research and tools developed by the Earth Institute and the Earth Institute International Institute for Climate and Society Helped further improve my understanding and skills. These have been invaluable in helping me understand climate risk and develop effective policy.
Can you tell us about your current position?
I am currently the Assistant Director of Research at the Institute Climate Employment Institute Inside Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor Relations. I started as a research and policy assistant when our group was a project of the School Worker Institute. Over the past two and a half years, we have grown into a strong institute. As a founding outreach faculty member, I specialize in research and policy development at the intersection of equity, labor, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. In my role, I oversee a multidisciplinary research team that conducts participatory research into labor movements. Together, we create tools, conduct research and develop policy guidance to drive a just green economy. We’re working directly with unions across the country to develop a process that defines a fair transition.
What projects are you working on now? What would you like to focus on in the future?
Much of our work focuses on state-specific, sector-based research. Our goal is to understand the intersections of climate change, labor, and equity across sectors such as buildings, energy, transportation, resilience and adaptation, and industry. By partnering with the labor movement in the states where we work, we develop policy recommendations that prioritize emissions reductions, quality union job creation, and increased equity. In addition, I have been involved in projects aimed at understanding working conditions in the renewable energy industry in different states.In the future, I hope to continue this important work by expanding our research and policy initiatives to address emerging challenges [and] Learn about the new climate workforce sector.
What meaningful advice have you received along your path? What advice do you have for students entering the field?
I learned to listen more than talk. Understanding the systems that operate within my field of work is critical. It is necessary to ask myself whether my efforts are actually helping to mitigate the climate crisis by reducing emissions and reducing risk to the most vulnerable. During my time at Columbia University, a professor said that we are all parts of a larger machine working to solve the climate crisis. I like to imagine all of us contributing to one big quilt, stitching together a better future for all. Therefore, my advice to students entering the field is to be humble, learn from others, and take responsibility for creating meaningful impact. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, always stand with union efforts and workplace organizing wherever you are.
