Our Reaction to the 2021 Clean Jobs Midwest Report
In reaction to the latest Clean Jobs Midwest report, we’re optimistic. Working in the climate innovation ecosystem for over a decade, Clean Energy Trust is seeing an incredible amount of human energy — an increasing number of people eager to solve climate change.
We believe in the power of innovation to create good-paying jobs in the region — knowing that small businesses drive the growth of clean energy jobs, and the economy at large. People, as well as new startups and early stage climate tech companies, are entering the clean energy industry every day.
The latest IPCC report serves as another salient warning that our climate is in crisis and that the time to act is now. We need policies and regulations that support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles. These policies can help to create thousands of new jobs. And, the evidence is clear that people are ready to work.
We hope the Clean Jobs Midwest report will serve as a tool for advocates and policymakers as they develop and strengthen public policy to expand clean energy and foster cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
While the clean energy industry is still recovering from the recession, there are some bright spots. Jobs are growing in the electric vehicle space and should continue to do so, as companies continue to make investments. Companies Like Lion Electric, which recently announced it would build a manufacturing facility in Joliet, Illinois, to produce electric buses.
People from all walks of life and industries are finding their role in the clean energy industry. They are choosing to transition their professional career to focus their time and talent on the urgent clean energy transformation. These smart, talented people joining the clean energy industry know that this is not only an opportunity for wealth creation, it is also one of the most important things they can do for the planet.
Since we have a limited amount of time on earth, let’s work together to do something that really matters. It is truly an exciting time to be in the clean energy industry.
