Question

If you have been paying any attention to recent political debate, renewable energy has been a big topic. Obviously, Houston's economy is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, but it is clear that it is incumbent upon us nationally and regionally to begin transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Yes, I know that many people are clinging to the past and ignoring global warming, but I am hoping that everyone in this class is enlightened enough to realize that carbon-driven climate change is real. If you aren't convinced, then let's stipulate for this discussion that carbon-driven climate change is a real threat.

One of the promises of Federal investment in renewable energy is new jobs. What will those jobs look like? What opportunities exist for operations managers in this new economy? If you could pick one of these jobs, what would it be? In your answer to the last question, please identify the industry and how it relates to renewable energy.

Answer 1

Answer- Carbon driven climate change is a real threat in today's era,this is also evident from the fact that the planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit( or 1.14°C) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human made emissions into the atmosphere.Since 2014,earth has recorded the six warmest years and this is credited at large to heat trapping nature of carbon-dioxide and other green house gases.The increased number of natural calamities and floods due to the melting of glaciers at fast pace is attributed to the increased emissions of greenhous gases.We can't stop transportation,manufacturing,industries,electricity generation,.and other economic activities, so the solution lies in the alternate use  of energy resources.Renewable energy Sources are natural resources which will replenish to replace the portion depleted by usage and consumption,either through natural or other recurring processes in a fintite amount of time in a human time scale.They are a big topic in the debates of economists and scientists looking for sustainable development and mitigation of climate change without affecting the economy.Renewable energy can contribute to social and economic development,energy access, secure energy supply, and the reduction of negative environmental and health impacts.With the technology switching to more and more zero emissions and with the prior estimates of its expanded use,Federal investments in renewable energy are towards creation of new jobs.These jobs include  both the production and installation of renewable energy products and equipments and the provision of renewable energy based services.The opportunities to create jobs is vast as its applications are wide and touches nearly every sector,whether it is Construction,electricity generation,transportation,etc.Like in Transporation,electric vehicles are in vogue these days.The jobs in in this sector will be towards the manufacturing of e-vehicles,their marketing,and trading in the market.From engineers,technicians,labourers to managers,there will be huge recruitment of skilled professionals.There are various opportunities for operation managers including the Human resource mangement for the firms employed in the services based on renewable energy based resources.They will look towards the asset management and cost management of the firms.Switching to the new technology,operation managers will be in demand for general estimation and cost making services.

If i could pick a job in renewable energy,i will choose for electric vehicles manufacturing industry as a Finance manager.As a manager,i will look for the cost reduction methods based on research outputs,so that it should be more accessible to everyone.Electric vehicles are vehicles that run on electricity,they are harmless to the environment with zero emissions of greenhouse gases.Electricity can be generated from water,nuclear or other renewable energy resources,so the vehicles are also doing for the sustainable cause.