Rethinking Lifestyle

The news from USA in recent weeks has been alarming for the environment. The President does not believe in Climate Change, so his departments are to cease all activities linked to it. This includes research into changes to climate, such as weather patterns, temperature, humidity, and extreme weather events (floods, droughts, tornados etc.). It also means that a whole suite of research that would monitor the consequences of climate change on wildlife, crops, or even support development of mitigation of the impacts of climate change will be cancelled.

World leaders have signed  the Paris Agreement, in essence agreeing to do what is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and to move away from oil and coal consumption. Big businesses, which own coal and oil plants have the ear of Mr. Trump, who somehow thinks he can turn back the clock on mechanisation and the shift from coal to gas (which is cheaper).

Mr. Trump seems keen to promote industries that are large employers. That is understandable. Keeping people gainfully employed is good for the economy. But he should avail himself of the facts. He should know that the renewables industries employ 2.5 times more people than fossil fuel industries (Sierra Club). In states like Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Indiana, jobs in renewable energy vastly exceed jobs in the fossil fuel industry. These states were also strong supporters of Mr. Trump in his run for the Presidency. Withdrawal of support from these industries in these states will not endear Mr. Trump to his supporters there.

Energy efficiency programs funded by the Department of Energy support 2.2 million jobs. The program has exceeded 70% of its target for renewable energy by 2020. One of the fastest growing sectors for jobs in recent years in U.S. has been the solar and wind sector, growing 12 times faster than the rest of the economy. The fastest growing profession over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is Wind Turbine Technician.

In another twist, one of the richest men in the car business is Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla which sells electric cars. Interest in electric cars is growing, and they have become affordable to more and more people. Sales in countries like India and China are booming. Tesla bought SolarCity in 2016, to add domestic energy generation to its business. The company will open its Gigafactory to manufacture its revolutionary battery – the Powerwall, in Nevada, later this year.

What these facts show are that the renewables sector is vibrant and growing in the U.S. In every state, significant number of people are employed in the sector. The coal industry has become mechanised in recent decades, resulting in the loss of manual jobs. It is this change, not former administrations policies that have resulted in the loss of jobs. By contrast, jobs in the renewables sector  include manufacturing jobs and installation jobs. Many are technical in nature. This sector is modern and innovative, and is a sector that the President should support. We can only hope that he will come to see that soon.