OUR STORY
Established in 2016 by fossil fuel workers, Iron & Earth was sparked by growing concerns of climate change and a collective desire to build a more prosperous and sustainable future. These workers saw opportunity in the transferability of their skills and recognized that they had a role to play in realizing a Just Transition. Over the years, Iron & Earth has grown in its approach to empowering a Just Transition. Our mandate has expanded to include directly engaging with communities and supporting a spectrum of willing workers in addition to those from the fossil fuel industry.
Mission
Iron & Earth delivers programs that enable community-driven climate solutions and reduce barriers for those seeking a future in the green economy.
Vision
Iron & Earth is working toward a future where the workforce is dynamically engaged in a thriving green economy. We envision broad participation in the Just Transition, leading to strengthened economic and climate resilience, expanded Accessibility to sustainable energy solutions and meaningful careers.
Our vision extends beyond workforce mobilizationtofostera community-driven Transformation, where people actively contribute to a sustainable and equitable future, for their communities and the planet. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals Implementation Strategy, we believe that “economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development is mutually reinforcing.
Values
Justice | Respect | Resilience
What the “Just Transition” Means to Us
For Iron & Earth a Just Transition represents a deconstruction of, and a de-linking from the carbon lock-in, leaving no one behind.
Our concept of a Just Transition is one that secures the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities in the transition to a low-carbon economy. We believe that if managed well, transitions to environmentally and socially sustainable economies can become strong drivers of job creation.
Iron & Earth acknowledges the links between colonialism and climate change, and supports a Just Transition thatis informed and led by Indigenous land stewardship.
A Just Transition provides decent jobs, social protection, more training opportunities and greater job security for all workers affected by policies that address climate change. This is not about managing decline, but about managed transition – from the reliance on fossil fuels, to the creation and expansion of the industries and jobs of the future.
Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation Statement
Iron & Earth is committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation as an integral part of our mission and values. We acknowledge the deep-rooted impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and recognize our responsibility to contribute to the healing and restoration of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. In our journey towards a Just Transition, we commit to centering Indigenous voices, respecting their sovereignty, and learning from their wisdom and stewardship of the land. We strive to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, ensuring that our work supports their self-determined goals and reflects their cultural values and traditions. We are dedicated to ongoing education, listening, and dialogue, recognizing that reconciliation is an active, lifelong process. By embedding the principles of Truth and Reconciliation into our programs, policies, and daily practices, we aim to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for all.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Statement
At Iron & Earth, we believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to achieving a Just Transition. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, or background—feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Our mission is to build a green economy that reflects and benefits all communities. We actively work to reduce barriers to participation and ensure that our programs and initiatives are accessible and inclusive. We celebrate the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that strengthen our work and help us drive sustainable, community-driven climate solutions. We are dedicated to continuous learning, listening, and adapting as we strive to make Iron & Earth a place where everyone can thrive and be a catalyst for positive change.