Decarbonizing the economy requires a dramatic transformation of the global economy. Phasing out fossil fuels implies the reallocation of millions of workers who will need to find new jobs. Unions and other policymakers have therefore called for a “just transition”: a clean energy transition that takes into account the challenges faced by those whose jobs are at risk. The European Union has recognized the problem and is implementing a Just Transition Mechanism which is expected to raise 55 billion euros (about $58 billion). In the United States, states such as Colorado have designed bureaus to manage a just transition.
In this rapidly changing landscape, several questions become critical: How can such a large labor market shock be absorbed? What can we learn from the managed decline in coal in countries like Germany? How should we design just transition institutions? Are they even needed?
Moderator: Michael Aklin, University of Pittsburgh
Panelist: TBD