Summary:
- Biden launches Civilian Climate Corps to create over 20,000 jobs in the growing fields of clean energy.
- Climate organizers have been pushing for Biden to launch this program by executive order.
- The program is giving young people actual job training opportunities in clean energy.
- The focus is more on mitigation than on prevention.
- Clean energy jobs can range from working with communities to identify a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases to working in natural resource areas to help clear land.
- The US needs to take similar action and engage with the developing world to find sustainable energy solutions.
The Biden administration has announced the launch of the Civilian Climate Corps, with the aim to create more than 20,000 jobs related to clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience. The move is seen as a notable step towards addressing the climate crisis by climate organizers.
Biden Launches Climate Corps to Create over 20,000 Clean Energy Jobs
In a bid to tackle the climate crisis, the Biden administration recently launched the Civilian Climate Corps. This program seeks to create over 20,000 jobs in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience. Advocacy groups like the Sunrise Movement and Democratic lawmakers have been calling for this program to be launched by executive order for some time now. Although the Civilian Climate Corps is a smaller version of the proposed Inflation Reduction Act, many believe it is a notable step in the right direction.
Interview with Gina McCarthy: Implications of the Biden Administration’s Climate Change Program
Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Advisor for President Biden and former EPA Administrator under President Obama, spoke about the importance of the Civilian Climate Corps as an actual job training opportunity in clean energy. McCarthy noted that the program would benefit communities that are not rich, communities that really need these jobs. Young people will get the experience and a boost in reduction of their college tuition, making it a great opportunity for us, she said.
What Jobs of the Future Will Areas Impoverished Pursue?
Clean energy jobs can be as simple as working with a community to identify a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases. Those involved would work with communities to examine all the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, especially consumer benefits. Participants will teach people how to access these rebates and tax credits, among other opportunities, such as clearing land in natural resource areas to lower the opportunity for fire damage to happen. With a broad variety of opportunities, the program will be oversubscribed, according to McCarthy.
Should the President Rely More on Executive Order to Fight Climate Change?
Although some congressmen decry Washington as dysfunctional, the Biden administration has gotten things done on the Hill. According to McCarthy, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which amounted to over $370billion, are examples of their accomplishments. The programs will invest these credits and tax rebates and other incentives for up to ten years, and in the first year, $278 billion of investments were made, with more expected to come. The grants are going to blue and red states which are using the dollars to create an economic future for our country, that focuses investment on communities left behind.
Recalibrating the Thinking about Resources for the Economic Future of the Global South
It is vital to engage the developing world and ensure they have the same opportunities that we have. Developed countries should follow the US’s example and take similar action. It is time for us to step up and use our private and public sector to work together to find benefits that will benefit everyone, said McCarthy.
Conclusion
The launch of the Civilian Climate Corps is a notable attempt to mitigate climate change and address the environmental crisis through creating jobs in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience. These jobs will benefit communities that are not rich, communities that need these jobs, and young people, who will receive experience and a boost in reduction of their college tuition fees. While some lawmakers describe Washington as dysfunctional, McCarthy noted that the Biden administration has already accomplished what they set out to do through the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. With cooperation between the private and public sectors, global issues such as climate change can, in time, be resolved.
With the help of the Civilian Climate Corps, the US can not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also prevent it. Undoubtedly, it's a great opportunity for young people to get jobs and experience.