Corporate Climate Planning Intern

The Corporate Climate Planning Intern at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions will assist with research on net zero transition planning and climate finance. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing reports, and coordinating with teams. Ideal candidates should have knowledge of corporate sustainability, transition planning, and climate finance. This internship is remote and aims to support major corporations and investors in their climate strategy efforts.
Description

About the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES): Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low-carbon economy. We are widely recognized as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis. We work closely with international climate negotiators; federal, state, and local policymakers; executives of Fortune 500 businesses; and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

Our organizational values: We are ambitious and practical, advancing effective solutions that push the boundaries of the achievable. We are open-minded and inclusive, seeking out and considering a wide range of voices, views, and approaches. We are people-focused, dedicated to improving human well-being, and recognizing that respect and empathy are central to success. We are one team, working collaboratively, communicating openly, making ourselves accessible to each other, and treating one another with kindness and respect.

Job Summary: The intern will work directly with both the Director of Corporate Net Zero Transition Planning and with relevant program staff, to assist with research projects related to net zero transition planning and climate finance.

Major multi-national corporations and investors are preparing for the net zero transition. The C2ES Corporate Climate Strategy Intern will have the opportunity to study aspects of transition planning for real economy companies and the finance sector in close collaboration with C2ES's experts.

Potential research topics include: climate governance, finance sector and real economy net zero transition plan development, disclosure and implementation, corporate climate and sustainability assessments (e.g. climate scenario analysis), ESG and sustainable investing, emerging reporting regulations and disclosure expectations around climate risks and opportunities, and Just Transition. The specific area(s) of research will depend upon the intern's background.

Requirements

Major Responsibilities:
• Conduct independent research and analysis on corporate climate strategy topics that align with the C2ES net zero transition planning project
• Support the development of written reports, presentations, blogs, and web meetings for the next phase deliverables of the net zero transition planning project
• Coordinate research with other relevant teams at C2ES as needed
• Take meeting notes and summarize key takeaways
• Synthesize information from existing analysis
• Assist with engagement of other NGOs and research to share research findings, gather information to help support findings, and generate additional insights.
• Provide support to other program areas as needed.

Qualifications:
• Knowledge of any of the following is desirable: corporate sustainability reporting and standards, transition planning, carbon footprint development, physical climate risks, and resilience planning.
• Knowledge of corporate decarbonization strategies and climate finance is desirable.
• Ability to think critically and work independently.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Skilled in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual work tools (e.g., MS Teams).
• Demonstrated interest in climate change and/or environmental issues
• Undergraduate studies in a relevant field, including but not limited to environmental studies, political science, public policy, or economics.

Internship type:
• Preference will be given to local applicants. Internship can be local at our office: 1400 K St., Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, or remote from the following States: CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, OH, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, NY, PA, TX, VA, and WA. Full-time internship up to 37.5 hours
• Full-time internship of 37.5 hours per week during Summer 2025.
• Hourly Wage $20.00.
• Holidays and Sick time accruals.
• Transportation stipend for interns working from the C2ES Office.
• ** To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to our website.***

We also are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we will only be effective in developing and advocating for climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. C2ES is committed to creating and growing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and among the stakeholders we collaborate with and convene. By fostering this culture, we can enhance our work and amplify our impact. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES's DEIJ policy, visit: https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice/