In a special issue dated August 2002 Time Magazine declared the 21st century as the "green century.
" Implicit in this is the development of the green economy and environmental jobs.
Complicated, yet possible, Time's editors suggest the endeavor is not only worthwhile, but critical.
Doing nothing would result in "facing a world far more inhospitable than the one we know now, possibly one unlivable for people, and most animal and plants" ("The Challenges we face," Time Magazine Special Report by Jeffrey Klugger and Andrea Dorfman (August 18, 2002)).
Time went on to highlight topics discussed at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Reductions in fossil fuel use world-wide are imperative, as are programs to slow population growth, improvements in agricultural efficiency, and guarding wilderness area in an effort to stem the loss of biodiversity.
In developing the tools to reach sustainability the creation of environmental jobs that provide a living wage is critical.
It is a perfect opportunity to train ourselves away from dependence on non-renewable energy sources and develop careers to go along with this technology.
Some believe that all major tools are already known and just need to be put in place in amounts that make a difference.
For instance four states, North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, and South Dakota have the potential of provide enough energy from wind power to meet all of the present needs for electricity within the United States, according to a Global Insight study for the US Conference of Mayors published October 2008 titled "Current and potential green jobs in the U.
S.
economy.
" According to the report we are using only "1/2 of 1 percent of the wind resources available in the US.
" The impact on environmental jobs this development will have is without a doubt far-reaching.
Another study done with the University of Tennessee in parallel with a RAND Corporation study predicts that the US can reach a point of 25% renewable energy by 2025.
Environmental jobs can be developed in areas such as increase crop yield utilization, contributions from the forestry sector, making use of food processing wastes; as well as, the use of over 100 million acres of dedicated energy crops like switch grass.
Combinations of these existing and other existing resources can provide sufficient feedstock for the additional renewable energy needed.
("25X'25: 25% renewable energy for the United States by 2025, agricultural and economic impacts," Executive Summary by Burton C.
English, et.
al.
, Knoxville: University of Tennessee Agricultural Economics (November 2006)).
When the correlation between the thinning of the ozone layer and the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) became apparent as reported by scientists in 1976 the US and other countries banned their use in aerosol cans shortly after.
Manufacturing companies had to adjust very quickly.
Additionally, over time, other industries using CFC for appliances such as refrigeration and air conditioning units, made adjustments as well.
They began to produce more energy efficient and environmentally friendly products in accordance to tightened regulations on the substance.
Changes in our economy can be made and they need to be made to support our planet and our lifestyles.
Creating environmental jobs is a logical and important part of this process.
Government and industry will need to work together to strengthen our green collar economy for the production of environmental jobs to carry us successfully through this "green century.
"
" Implicit in this is the development of the green economy and environmental jobs.
Complicated, yet possible, Time's editors suggest the endeavor is not only worthwhile, but critical.
Doing nothing would result in "facing a world far more inhospitable than the one we know now, possibly one unlivable for people, and most animal and plants" ("The Challenges we face," Time Magazine Special Report by Jeffrey Klugger and Andrea Dorfman (August 18, 2002)).
Time went on to highlight topics discussed at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Reductions in fossil fuel use world-wide are imperative, as are programs to slow population growth, improvements in agricultural efficiency, and guarding wilderness area in an effort to stem the loss of biodiversity.
In developing the tools to reach sustainability the creation of environmental jobs that provide a living wage is critical.
It is a perfect opportunity to train ourselves away from dependence on non-renewable energy sources and develop careers to go along with this technology.
Some believe that all major tools are already known and just need to be put in place in amounts that make a difference.
For instance four states, North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, and South Dakota have the potential of provide enough energy from wind power to meet all of the present needs for electricity within the United States, according to a Global Insight study for the US Conference of Mayors published October 2008 titled "Current and potential green jobs in the U.
S.
economy.
" According to the report we are using only "1/2 of 1 percent of the wind resources available in the US.
" The impact on environmental jobs this development will have is without a doubt far-reaching.
Another study done with the University of Tennessee in parallel with a RAND Corporation study predicts that the US can reach a point of 25% renewable energy by 2025.
Environmental jobs can be developed in areas such as increase crop yield utilization, contributions from the forestry sector, making use of food processing wastes; as well as, the use of over 100 million acres of dedicated energy crops like switch grass.
Combinations of these existing and other existing resources can provide sufficient feedstock for the additional renewable energy needed.
("25X'25: 25% renewable energy for the United States by 2025, agricultural and economic impacts," Executive Summary by Burton C.
English, et.
al.
, Knoxville: University of Tennessee Agricultural Economics (November 2006)).
When the correlation between the thinning of the ozone layer and the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) became apparent as reported by scientists in 1976 the US and other countries banned their use in aerosol cans shortly after.
Manufacturing companies had to adjust very quickly.
Additionally, over time, other industries using CFC for appliances such as refrigeration and air conditioning units, made adjustments as well.
They began to produce more energy efficient and environmentally friendly products in accordance to tightened regulations on the substance.
Changes in our economy can be made and they need to be made to support our planet and our lifestyles.
Creating environmental jobs is a logical and important part of this process.
Government and industry will need to work together to strengthen our green collar economy for the production of environmental jobs to carry us successfully through this "green century.
"
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