Green Collar Jobs

June 2, 2008

This New York Times article reports on how the number of green jobs (those that relate in some way to fighting environmental challenges) is expected to increase in the U.S., as state governments mandate that more energy come from renewables. The article discusses the characteristics of green jobs as well as the upsides and possible downsides of a more green economy. One obvious benefit of green collar jobs is that they are not easily outsourced; buildings cannot be weatherized and solar panels can’t be installed overseas. Another benefit is that they often require special skills, so the jobs are likely to provide a living wage. Conservative groups warn that the creation of green jobs will result in a net job loss as jobs are taken away from less enviro-friendly industries.