Jobs and the Environment: Why Tech is Committed to the Paris Climate Agreement

Although President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from the COP-21 Paris Climate Agreement, the tech industry remains committed to the goals of the accord, and our determination to combat the threats posed by climate change has not wavered.

It is with that spirit that we have joined more than 1,000 signatories — including U.S. governors, mayors, investors, universities, and companies (many of which are ITI members) — to commit to meeting the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement by being a part of “We Are Still In.” This is a pledge to work together to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in innovating clean energy solutions and reducing emissions because we know that fighting climate change bolsters the economy, creates American jobs and opportunities, and improves public health.

Our support of the Paris Agreement is consistent with the core values of the tech industry. We believe that operating a business in a sustainable fashion is not only good for the environment and our customers, but also for the U.S. economy and the American worker. No matter if you live in a red state or blue state, renewable jobs are coming to a place near you.

According to a groundbreaking study ITI conducted with the Retail Industry Leaders Association, exponential growth in the U.S. clean energy industry has generated significant economic and employment benefits: employing four million Americans in jobs that tend to pay $5,000 more than the median U.S. salary, with estimates that solar and wind jobs are set to grow at a rate 12 times as fast as the rest of the U.S. economy. And we are dedicated to continuing to build on this momentum by betting on more clean energy jobs, which will ensure America continues to be the world leader in innovation.

Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk and hands the leadership role — and the jobs and economic benefits that go with that — to other countries. The right action right now will create jobs and boost U.S. competitiveness. The tech industry will do our part to make sure the American economy is energy efficient and powered by cost-effective and innovative solutions so that we can protect our air, land, and water while bolstering and strengthening our economy and creating good-paying jobs here at home.

Public Policy Tags: Environment & Sustainability

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