Is the Global Workforce Ready for the Energy Transition?
International commitments on climate change imply bold actions to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Among them, switching energy production and industrial processes to cleaner sources will require massive investments in infrastructure and workforce training. Because of the myriad levels of fossil-fuel dependence, the path to net-zero emissions will have disproportionate effects on some countries, industries, and workers.[1] Regardless of the industry or country, the transition to a low-carbon economy will significantly affect the global workforce in the type of jobs available and the skills demanded.
Whether the energy transition happens fast or slow, what is clear is that the global workforce is not ready for the changes to come. Unfortunately, governments are not doing enough to guarantee a just, or even smooth, shift. Building on the CSIS Just Transition Initiative, this white paper analyzes the workforce implications of the energy transition and presents broad actions that governments, labor, businesses, and civil society actors can take to better prepare workers for the future.
Potential Winners and Losers of the Energy Transition: Countries and Sectors
Despite international commitments to reduce carbon emissions, the world still heavily relies on fossil fuels for its energy needs (Figure 1). Many of the top producers of fossil fuels are countries in the Global South, and these countries have the potential to lose tax revenues, exports, and jobs if they phase down fossil fuel production. In the Global North, even the most vocal advocates of addressing climate change are dependent on fossil fuels. For example, fossil fuels accounted for 45.5 percent of France’s totally energy supply in 2023, whereas solar and wind accounted for just 3 percent. The same year, Germany relied on fossil fuels for 77.9 percent of its energy demands, with only 7 percent generated by solar and wind.
India targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, says Modi
India’s economy will become carbon neutral by the year 2070, the country’s prime minster has announced at the COP26 climate crisis summit in Glasgow. The target date is two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target, with China saying it would reach that goal in 2060, and the United States and the European Union aiming for 2050.
COP26: What climate summit means for one woman in Bangladesh
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Deliver on promises, developing world tells rich at climate talks
A crucial U.N. conference heard calls on its first day for the world's major economies to keep their promises of financial help to address the climate crisis, while big polluters India and Brazil made new commitments to cut emissions. World leaders, environmental experts and activists all pleaded for decisive action to halt the global warming which threatens the future of the planet at the start of the two-week COP26 summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Monday. The task facing negotiators was made even more daunting by the failure of the Group of 20 major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments at the weekend.