Week of 1/1 - Should you talk about your climate goals?
Spoiler alert: YES
There’s some conflicting wisdom about the best way to achieve your goals…
...but one of these pearls is definitely better for reaching climate-focused goals.
In fact, I’ve used this particular gem for huge success in the climate community.
So what are the contrasting viewpoints?
Let’s take a deeper look.
Conflicting Wisdom #1 - DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS
This school of thought basically says that, if you announce your goals to the world, you will receive praise or negative feedback, and therefore may be less likely to achieve your goals. They have really good reasons for running your goals in “stealth mode.”
Conflicting Wisdom #2 - TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS, A LOT
This alternate way of thinking says that, if you have goals, you should talk about them endlessly. People who believe this advice believe that the more that we focus on something, the more likely it is to happen.
How do we make sense of this conflicting wisdom?
Well, you might already be able to tell, but I firmly believe in TALKING ABOUT YOUR GOALS, especially within climate communities.
Why?
Sure, there is a time when an idea is to fragile to be shared, especially with the wrong audience.
And sharing goals can also just be a way to get praise..
But if you have the right community, then sharing goals is a way to turbo charge your efforts to reach those goals.
This is the right community to share your goals with.
We’re all doing this for similar reasons.
We want to make the world a better place.
We can often be stuck or stymied in reaching our own goals.
And, don’t worry, talking about your nascent climate goals is not “greenwashing.”
Goals are meant to be aspirational. It’s okay to be in process.
But what about when we hear about the goals of others?
Do we often see ways to help them, or people they should talk to, or how they can solve a problem?
I have been helped timed and again by this community.
This is a generous, giving, and friendly community of climate seekers.
And I love helping you in return!
So please reply to let me know what your goals are for 2024, and I’ll see if I can find a way to help.
And if you want to be part of this community, join us for our upcoming virtual CLE conference on January 17 and 18 where we will be teaching basics skills you need to do more climate-friendly pro bono immediately.
Come to think of it, doing more climate-friendly pro bono is a great resolution!
Hi! I’m Matthew Karmel, chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Law Group at Offit Kurman, P.A. and founder of the planetary lawyer project.
I started my career as an associate with a single pro bono climate client and am now the head of a cutting edge climate-focused practice group at a full-service AMLaw 200 law firm with a thriving book of climate-related clients.
I did it all without going to a T14 law school, working in BigLaw, or running myself into the ground along the way.
Now, I want to help you build your own climate-friendly legal career through my newsletter, the planetary lawyer project.
Any views expressed are my own. Nothing here is legal advice.
Now onto this week’s opportunities.
Have a lead on a job opening? Share it here.
Georgetown Climate Fellowship Program. https://www.georgetownclimate.org/articles/fellowship-opportunity-gcc-seeks-graduating-law-students-for-justice-fellow-program.html. The Georgetown Climate Center is seeking two graduating JD students for one-year Climate Fellowships starting in September 2024. GCC is offering two full-time, paid positions: the Climate Fellow for Mitigation will join GCC’s efforts to support policies that reduce climate change emissions, and the Climate Fellow for Adaptation will support GCC’s work related to climate adaptation and resilience. Climate Fellowships are open to graduates receiving their JD from an accredited law school no later than May 2024. Applications are due Monday, January 22, 2024. (Thank you to the reader who sent in this posting!)
Legal Staff Associate. GrowNYC. Hybrid/New York City. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/2120824. 0-1 years of experience. GrowNYC is a 53-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city, one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life. The position is exempt, salaried and has an annual salary range of $80,000 - $90,000 per year and includes full benefits,(medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, incentive savings plan, paid time off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and potential for parental leave for full-time regular employees who have been employed with GrowNYC for 175 days and FSA programs).
Senior Manager, Legislative & Regulatory Policy. Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC). Remote. https://buildingdecarb.org/about-us/careers. The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000; Demonstrated 5+ years experience with administrative dockets and successfully influencing regulatory policy. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) aligns building industry stakeholders with energy providers, environmental organizations, and local governments to help electrify homes and workspaces with clean energy.
Sr Corporate Counsel (Operations). Republic Services. Phoenix. https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/job/R-112691/Sr-Corporate-Counsel-Operations. Minimum of 8 years of experience performing the types of legal work listed above (preferred).Republic Services is a leader in Environmental Services, partnering with customers to create a more sustainable world. We know this company and may be able to provide an introduction!
Sr Corporate Counsel (Environmental Regulatory & Compliance). Republic Services. Phoenix. https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/job/R-114057/Sr-Corporate-Counsel-Environmental-Regulatory-Compliance. Minimum of 8 years of experience performing the types of legal work listed above, including significant experience with counseling clients regarding the generation, transportation, or disposal of hazardous waste (preferred). Republic Services is a leader in Environmental Services, partnering with customers to create a more sustainable world. We know this company and may be able to provide an introduction!
Deputy General Counsel. Chugach Alaska Corporation. Alaska. https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/CHU1001CHALC/JobBoard/24004973-85af-47f9-849a-7bb0cb240fd8/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=3c4d0718-ec9a-4dda-b9cc-f30af4bc52fa. 10 years in the practice of corporate law inside a law firm or corporation. Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) is an Alaska Native Corporation committed to sustainable profitability, celebration of our heritage and responsible ownership of our lands.
Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property. NRG Energy. Lehi, UT; Princeton, NJ; Houston, TX; or Washington, DC. https://careers.nrgenergy.com/nrg/job/Princeton-Assistant-General-Counsel%2C-Intellectual-Property-NJ-08540/1111721900/. NRG is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. Whether as the largest solar power developer in the country or by giving customers the latest tools to better manage their energy use, NRG is a pioneer in developing smarter energy choices. 10+ years in intellectual property management, with a focus on strategic leadership. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.