October 20, 2008—Global efforts to tackle climate change could result in millions of “green” jobs over the coming decades, according to a recent study prepared by the Worldwatch Institute with funding from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The study found that the global market for environmental products and services is projected to double from $1.37 trillion per year at present to $2.74 trillion by 2020, with half of that market in energy efficiency, according to a review from the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
The UNEP study also notes that the energy supply sectors will be particularly important in terms of their environmental, economic, and employment impacts, particularly the renewable energy industry and those related to buildings, transportation, industry, agriculture, and forestry. The report notes that 2.3 million people have found renewable energy jobs in recent years, and projected investments of $630 billion by 2030 would translate into at least 20 million additional jobs.
Another report reviewed by EERE is from the US Conference of Mayors, released in early October. It finds the US economy currently generates more then 750,000 green jobs, while over the next 30 years, an emphasis on clean energy could cause that number to grow five-fold, to more than 4.2 million jobs.
According to the mayors’ report, engineering, legal, research, and consulting jobs currently dominate the green jobs in the US and could grow by 1.4 million by 2038, while renewable electricity production will create 1.23 million jobs, alternative transportation fuels will add 1.5 million jobs, and building retrofits will create another 81,000 jobs. The report notes that most of today’s jobs are in metropolitan areas, led by New York City; Washington, DC; Houston, TX; and Los Angeles, CA, and it lists current and projected green jobs by metropolitan area.
