Green economy is growing nationally

June 15, 3:46 PMBay Area Green Careers ExaminerMichal Lenchner

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Many environmentalists and economists believe that 2.5 million new green employment opportunities will be created in the United States by 2018. According to the United States Conference of Mayors, that’s a 233% increase from the current number of 750,000 green jobs.

Pew Charitable Trusts published last week a first ever research of jobs, businesses and investments across all 50 states. The research has found that over the past ten years, the green economy has grown two and a half times faster than overall jobs in other sectors. Pew Charitable Trusts looked at actual jobs, companies and venture capital investments that feed the growing market demands for eco-friendly products and services. The research found that at the state level, the clean energy economy surpassed overall growth in 39 states. 

In spite of the lack of federal support over the past decade, the green energy economy has expanded. Driven by consumers, capital investor venues, and government policies (at federal, state, county and city levels), the study leads to the conclusion that the green collar sector is positioned to expand considerably, even more than it already has.

This is great news to all and a strong confirmation for everyone, adults and youth, looking into eco-careers.

Furthermore, the report found that the emerging clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs in every state and for ALL skill levels, educational backgrounds, and in most industries. Also that green occupations included many categories such as engineering, construction, administrative, marketing, skilled craftsmen, teaching/training, and others. Capital investments in green economy were measured as 15% of total venture capital investments worldwide, despite the lack of the federal government’s support.

We can see where the green trend is leading. California led the nation in all categories measured with the number of green jobs created, launch of new businesses, and venture capital investments.

Sectors that will need more workers include clean energy production, energy efficiency, eco-friendly manufacturing, and conservation and pollution control.

Another study, conducted by UC Berkeley researcher David Roland-Holst, affirms that the growth of the green economy will continue well into future.

California’s legacy of energy policies supports innovation and economic growth and stability. Roland-Holst’s report states that employment effects arising from energy savings in California over the past thirty years have contributed over one million additional jobs to the state economy. This trend will continue in California and the greater United States,

Transitioning into the green career world and investing in the green economy is a beneficial move, as it won’t only address environmental issues and energy crisis, it will also build jobs and provide livelihood for many.

     Resources:
     1. Pew Charitable Trust report, June 2009
     2. UC Berkeley researcher David Roland-Holst report
     3. US Conference Mayors Green report, October, 2008

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