Ajay Chakraborty

Creating and Accelerating the Shift from Fossil Fuel Jobs to Green Energy Jobs

Started Feb. 28, 2023

Abstract or project description

The green energy job market in the United States is growing consistently, whereas fossil fuel employment is declining. Green energy jobs have overtaken fossil fuel jobs in electric power generation (EPG), and they are beginning to command a presence in the fuels sector. Demand for green energy workers is very high, and green energy employers are having trouble finding qualified workers to fill their open positions. Real wages in green energy are increasing, the jobs are stable, and workers have more choice as to which parts of the US they want to live in. Meanwhile, workers are being pushed out of fossil fuel jobs, and this has caused fossil fuel dependent communities to languish. However, workers pushed out of fossil fuel industries are not shifting to green energy jobs, despite their attractive qualities. This is caused by numerous, major barriers. However, solutions are starting to form amongst major institutions such as the Brookings Institute and the New York Times, showcasing that there is a real problem and potential for opportunity in this area. A possible solution is to take this job transition online, consolidating the workers, employers, and necessary re-training in one place.