U.S. Could Create 37 million “green” jobs

A recent report by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) concludes that the country could add up to 37 million jobs and displace 1.2 billion tons of annual carbon emissions by 2030 if it continues to make strong commitments to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The report says that putting a focus on renewable energies such as solar electric, biomass power and biofuels would not only create jobs within those sectors, but would expand employment in supporting sectors such as farming, metal fabrication, construction and trucking.

“The twin challenges of climate change and economic stagnation can be solved by the same action - broad, aggressive, sustained deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency,” says Brad Collins, Executive Director of ASES. “The solution for one is the solution for the other.”

The report finds that in 2006, energy efficiency and renewable energy industries were responsible for contributing 8.5 million new jobs and $970 billion to the national economy. In 2008, these industries were responsible for contributing another 9 million new jobs and over $1 trillion to the economy.

While the report projects that some 37 million “green” jobs could be created by 2030, it recognizes that these will replace jobs in traditional energy industries. The report projects that the total net job increase would still be 4.5 million, in additional to the environmental benefits of an aggressive focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

You can read the entire report online (PDF).