Just Transitions, Renewable Energy Jobs, and the Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

Description

Fossil fuel industries directly employ over 12 million workers and benefit millions more through indirect jobs. However, fossil fuel consumption will need to dramatically decline and be replaced by renewable energy sources in order to keep global warming well below 2°C. One major factor influencing political support for climate policies, particularly in fossil fuel–producing countries, is the impact low-carbon transitions will have on existing fossil fuel jobs. Many policymakers, NGOs, and think tanks groups are increasingly focusing on both understanding and developing "just transition" strategies that aim to minimize the impact of climate policies on fossil fuel workers and their communities. In many cases, this has included advocating that fossil fuel jobs be replaced by growing renewable energy jobs.

Drawing on just-transition research, this webinar aims to shed light on: 1) the key strategies of just transition that policymakers can focus on to ameliorate opposition from fossil fuel workers and their communities to the much-need low carbon transitions; and 2) the extent to which fossil fuel jobs can be replaced by growing renewable energy jobs.

Hosted by the Energy, Resources and Environment Program and the Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy.