The green
job industry is set to be one of the fastest growing job sectors
in the coming years as more and more people demand environmentally
friendly products and services.
Today, most of the green jobs that exist are for professionals
and the employees of big business.
These industries and businesses recognize that consumers want
the same products and services they're getting now to be produced
and delivered in a more environmentally way. For instance,
many consumer electronics producers make the same product
but using recycled materials or more environmentally friendly
manufacturing techniques to satisfy consumer demand.
The
future of green jobs
The many green jobs that will be coming in the future, however,
are the kinds of jobs that most people would consider green
jobs.
Environmentally
sustainable farmers, builders and architects who specialize
in building and renovating with green techniques and materials,
and trades workers who specialize in alternative
energy technologies are all professions that will be in
high demand.
This is not to say that these jobs don't exist now, but the
demand is set to increase a great deal as the political will
to deal with environmental problems becomes more pronounced.
According
to one study, the current number of 8.5 million U.S. jobs
in the clean energy and energy-efficiency industries could
grow to as many as 40 million by 2030.
Along
with careers in ecotourism,
the vast majority of greens jobs of the future will center
on the installation of various green technologies. There are
thousands and thousands of solar
panels, waste water recycling systems, and energy
efficient renovations that will need to be installed,
both on old homes and on newly built homes.
In addition,
the very nature of green jobs is that they are local and difficult
to outsource, with an opportunity for traditionally trained
construction works, electricians, and builders to retrofit
their careers to meet the growing demand for green collar
workers now and in the decades to come.
More information about green jobs around the Web:
Green
Jobs - Check out this US directory to green jobs by category or location along with additional resources including listings of green job boards, job fairs, and tips on how to find a green job.
Environmental Careers - What are the top paying environmental careers? Plus more on salary ranges and educational requirements, from Unity College.
Green Jobs for Youth
- A UN program dedicated to educating a new generation, with resources for educators and businesses.