One of the The biggest stories that defined the tech sector in 2023 were layoffs. Companies large and small cut more than 240,000 jobs in the last year, and while the trend has cooled lately, it hasn't stopped, with nearly 7,000 jobs cut in November alone.
But there have been bright spots. Climate technology is a sector that has been hiring and it seems that in 2024 the trend will continue.
Clean energy jobs have grown 10% over the past two years, outpacing the economy as a whole, according to a report from an industry group. E2. Through 2032, when the Inflation Reduction Act will expire, the fastest-growing job fields include wind turbine technician (45% growth) and solar PV installer (22% growth), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For startups, 2023 was more confusing. As investors closed their pockets, founders had to make tough decisions about how to expand their runways. Some had to resort to layoffs, but not all. Many founders I've spoken to continue to emphasize that they are hiring for a variety of roles.
For those laid off from the mainstream tech sector, climate tech would seem to be an attractive pivot, and for many, that's proving true. Almost every company needs software developers, project managers, and designers. Are 240,000 of them needed? Probably not yet. And some that seem like a perfect fit may require a little climate or energy knowledge on the part of the applicant.
In other words, there is a skills gap.
