Clean energy is becoming an increasingly popular option for powering our world as we strive to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. One of the major benefits of investing in clean energy is the creation of new jobs in various sectors such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the clean energy industry. The installation and maintenance of solar panels require a skilled workforce, creating jobs in manufacturing, installation, sales, and research and development. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the solar industry employed over 230,000 workers in the United States in 2020.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is another major player in the clean energy sector. The construction and maintenance of wind farms provide jobs for engineers, technicians, project managers, and more. The American Wind Energy Association reported that the wind industry supported over 120,000 jobs in the US in 2020.
Hydro Energy
Hydropower is a renewable energy source that relies on the flow of water to generate electricity. Jobs in the hydro energy sector include dam operators, engineers, and environmental scientists. The National Hydropower Association estimates that the hydropower industry supports over 66,000 jobs in the US.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. This sector creates jobs in drilling, engineering, and plant operations. According to the Geothermal Energy Association, the geothermal industry employed over 12,000 workers in the US in 2020.
Overall, clean energy is a growing industry that is creating jobs across various sectors. Investing in clean energy not only helps to protect the environment but also boosts the economy by creating new employment opportunities.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.