Distributional labor challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing the US power system
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Published version
Author(s)
Xie, Judy
Martin, Melissa
Rogelj, joeri
Staffell, iain
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The transition towards a low-carbon power system presents challenges and opportunities to the workforce with important implications for Just Transitions. Studies of these
distributional labor impacts could benefit from tighter linkages between energy and employment modeling. Here, we couple a power sector optimization model, an employment impact model, and demographic databases to understand state-level job characteristics and societal implications of low-carbon transitions in the US. While decarbonization brings consistent job growth, it heightens the need for human capital investments and supply chain
restructuring. Major fossil fuel-producing states need to prepare for fewer mining jobs under the US Long-Term Strategy, so other opportunities should be created or seized. Lowest-skilled workers will experience more uncertain employment outcomes. Expanding renewable energy could improve opportunities for women in fossil fuel-dependent states, but not enough to disrupt the national gender status quo. This work provides a new quantitative perspective to inform proactive Just Transition policies.
distributional labor impacts could benefit from tighter linkages between energy and employment modeling. Here, we couple a power sector optimization model, an employment impact model, and demographic databases to understand state-level job characteristics and societal implications of low-carbon transitions in the US. While decarbonization brings consistent job growth, it heightens the need for human capital investments and supply chain
restructuring. Major fossil fuel-producing states need to prepare for fewer mining jobs under the US Long-Term Strategy, so other opportunities should be created or seized. Lowest-skilled workers will experience more uncertain employment outcomes. Expanding renewable energy could improve opportunities for women in fossil fuel-dependent states, but not enough to disrupt the national gender status quo. This work provides a new quantitative perspective to inform proactive Just Transition policies.
Date Issued
2023-11-02
Date Acceptance
2023-08-15
Citation
Nature Climate Change, 2023, 13, pp.1203-1212
ISSN
1758-678X
Publisher
Nature Research
Start Page
1203
End Page
1212
Journal / Book Title
Nature Climate Change
Volume
13
Copyright Statement
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License URL
Publication Status
Published