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“Green Jobs” Come In Every Shape And Size
by: Alicia Hassinger
Everyone is talking about “green jobs.” While many people are eager to become employed in the sustainability sector, there are naysayers who don’t believe that they actually exist. As part of the ongoing, healthy dialogue about what and where green jobs are, it’s important to make an important distinction. While there are bona fide positions that can be appropriately defined as a green job, there are thousands of other careers that are simply changing in the new energy economy. The truth is, workplaces are shifting to more sustainable models, with or without the catchy phrase.
According to the Colorado Cleantech Action Plan, “Cleantech is growing in Colorado and creating thousands of jobs.” Citing the Pew Center’s report, The Clean Energy Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses, and Investments Across America (http://bit.ly/dIpWGM), “Between 1999 and 2009, Colorado’s cleantech industry grew at an annualized rate of 18 percent, more than twice the rate of the Colorado economy as a whole (8 percent).”
And Colorado isn’t alone. However, while wind, solar, energy efficiency and additional sustainable fields are rapidly growing, they are not the only industries presenting green jobs to the workforce. Many career paths are taking a turn, requiring new thinking and skill sets to keep up with the changing environmental landscape.
Architects, engineers, electricians and machinists will continue to be in demand, yet their job descriptions may be continuously altered. Electricians will need to understand the new utility landscape; machinists will be required to install and maintain new technologies; engineers across all industries will be asked to channel their knowledge towards designing sustainable systems.
Here are some examples of changing industries outside of the traditional cleantech sector:
Utility companies. “Powerful trends are transforming the U.S. utility sector, including climate change, energy security, and energy price volatility concerns; increasing deployment of alternative resources like energy efficiency and renewable energy; and shifts in natural gas and other fossil fuel industries. Utilities that respond most effectively to these key trends – and whose regulators and legislators support them in doing so – will be best positioned to succeed in the 21st century.” (The 21st Century Electric Utility: Positioning for a Low-Carbon Future, a Ceres report published by Navigant Consulting. 2010.)
Real Estate. From architects to real estate appraisers and agents to top executives, real estate professionals are under pressure to recognize efficient building techniques, gain awareness of green design elements and effectively value and incorporate them in today’s marketplace.
Corporate real estate executives are illustrating commitment to making sustainable decisions within their real estate portfolios, which requires knowledge of Green Building certifications, Energy Labels, the costs and benefits of retrofitting buildings and much more. According to the third annual CoreNet Global and Jones Lang LaSalle sustainability survey conducted in September and October 2009 (http://bit.ly/hjgKm0), research shows that sustainability remains a key agenda item for corporate real estate executives.
The report states, “Sustainability is a critical business issue today for 70 percent of respondents and 89 percent consider sustainability criteria in their location decisions.”
Law firms. With an influx of sustainable activity, there will inevitably be legal issues. Well-prepared law firms have lawyers and paralegals on staff who have the knowledge and confidence to perform highly complex environmental legal research; draft, analyze, and manage complex legal documents and correspondence about environmental topics; and prepare environmental filings, reports; real estate documents and more.
Agriculture. While windmills have been used on farms for decades, farmers and the overall agriculture industry are taking great strides that are good for the earth, crops and business. Farming is actually among the original green jobs, but new technologies are coming to market, requiring agricultural business leaders to sell, install and maintain systems that keep our food supply moving and meet consumers’ desire for a sustainable food system.
In Workforce Management magazine (http://bit.ly/gFQVHj), Raquel Pinderhughes, a professor of urban studies at San Francisco State University, “identified 22 economic sectors with green-collar opportunities, including food production (using organic agriculture), manufacturing (making energy-efficient and recycled products) and auto repair (servicing alternative-fuel vehicles).”
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn’t yet defined “green jobs,” there are businesses, HR directors, career services departments and educational institutions invested in fostering sustainable careers across all industries.
Whether a career is given the term “green job” or fits within the confines of the green landscape, changes are inevitable. They are already beginning to be reflected in educational and job training options. For example, Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado (a suburb of Denver) has opened its doors as the first and only institution solely focused on renewable energy and sustainable design. Launched in April 2010, future graduates are already in demand according to the college.
“We’re consistently receiving phone calls from businesses who can’t wait for our first graduating class,” said Alison Wise, Director of Career Services for Ecotech Institute. “We speak with representatives from a wide range of industries, all seeking people who can serve as the future leaders of their changing workforce.”
For more information on how Ecotech Institute sees the future of green jobs and education, visit: www.ecotechinstitute.com.
What Is Green Living?
Green living should become the motto of the present and the future generations. It has become essential for all of us to educate our children about eco-friendly methods so that they learn to respect the environment they are born into. The love and respect for nature has to be inculcated right from childhood.
Children of today are adults of tomorrow; hence values instilled today will reap rich dividends in the future. The children who are brought up in a surrounding that is healthy and green would definitely get used to this kind of living. Therefore, when they grow up as citizens, they will ensure that they do not do anything that would jeopardize the health of the planet.
There is a need today to develop new technologies which would facilitate green living. New researches are being done to find out new forms of green energy. The oil and coal reserves of our planet are fast depleting owing to massive industrialization. If the rate of consumption remains the same, then soon coal and oil reserves would get exhausted. Therefore, measures are being taken to conserve the remaining resources and find alternative methods of generating energy.
Solar energy and tidal energy are some potential sources of energy available. They need to be exploited and expanded in a right way to get maximum output and benefit. The solar energy and tidal energy are renewable sources of energy and are eco-friendly too. As a part of green living, people should be encouraged to use solar power for house lighting. These days, technology is also developed to run vehicles on solar power.
Though, this is still in the gestation period, it would be a great alternative to gas and petrol used for running the vehicles.
Awareness programs should be conducted by various ecological departments. People should be educated on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They should be taught to make use of the natural resources reasonably. The effects of irrational use of the natural resources should be explained to the people in detail.
People in general have a tendency to misuse and waste fresh water. This has led to scarcity of water. Steps should be taken to curtail this wastage and make people more responsible. Similarly, people also tend to waste electricity by switching on lights unnecessarily. If one extra bulb is lit in every household, then imagine the amount power consumption. This is a national waste and should be avoided.
As inhabitants of this planet we should all work towards developing green living habits. This is both our social as well as moral responsibility.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
While no single event named "Love Your Planet Choose Organic Conference 2024" took place, several organizations and conferences in 2024 centered on similar themes of organic living, sustainable farming, and planetary health. Organizations conducted symposiums and other meetings which included events from University College London, the Real Organic Project, and Planet Organic.
Host: University College London (UCL), in partnership with the Climate Reality Foundation and Climate Café.
Date: February 19, 2024.
Details: This symposium focused on climate change efforts. It featured presentations from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and UCL's COP28 delegation members, who discussed moving towards a net-zero economy.
Host: Real Organic Project.
Date: 2024.
Details: The event discussed the rapid consolidation of the food system and its impact on organic farming. Participants explored how antitrust laws might protect organic farmers and ensure the availability of healthy food for consumers.
Host: Planet Organic, a UK-based retailer, in partnership with the Soil Association.
Date: September 2024.
Details: This event, highlighted on Planet Organic's social media, celebrated the importance of choosing organic products for the health of people, animals, and the planet. It emphasized the rigorous standards behind organic labeling.
Host: A multinational initiative based in Poland.
Details: This movement aims to create an alternative to overconsumption and unsustainable practices. It promotes organic products, sustainable farming, and reducing the use of harmful substances.
Other Ways Tech Promotes Sustainable Living
Tech promotes sustainable living through innovations in energy, water, agriculture, and waste management, often leveraging connected devices and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and reduce consumption. These solutions range from large-scale smart city infrastructure to small, practical devices for homes.
Smart energy systems
Smart grids use digital technology to manage energy distribution more efficiently, accommodating renewable sources like solar and wind power. They use sensors and real-time data to optimize energy flow, reduce transmission losses, and prevent outages.
Smart home devices like thermostats and lighting systems optimize energy use based on occupancy and schedules. Smart plugs can monitor the energy consumption of individual appliances and switch them off remotely.
Energy storage technologies such as advanced batteries enable the storage of excess renewable energy for use during peak demand or when generation is low, making renewable sources more reliable.
Water conservation
Smart irrigation systems use sensors and real-time weather data to determine the precise watering needs of crops, reducing water waste in agriculture, which accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.
Advanced filtration and wastewater treatment technologies, including those that use nanotechnology, make it possible to purify and reuse water for a variety of purposes, including drinking.
AI-driven leak detection in water distribution networks can identify and locate leaks quickly, preventing the loss of significant amounts of water before it reaches consumers.
Sustainable agriculture
AI and machine learning analyze vast datasets from sensors, drones, and satellites to provide farmers with insights on soil health, pest outbreaks, and crop quality. This enables precision farming, where resources like fertilizers and pesticides are applied only where needed.
Robotics and automation help with tasks like planting, weeding, and harvesting, which increases productivity and reduces the need for manual labor and resource-intensive practices.
Vertical farming and indoor agriculture use AI to control climate conditions, maximizing crop growth while minimizing water and land use, especially in urban areas.
Smart waste management
Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in waste bins monitor fill levels in real-time, allowing waste collection services to optimize routes and schedules. This reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by eliminating unnecessary trips.
Advanced sorting technologies powered by AI can analyze waste composition and separate materials more accurately, improving the efficiency of recycling efforts.
Waste-to-energy technologies convert landfill waste into usable energy, reducing the environmental impact of disposal.
Consumer engagement
Digital platforms and apps engage users in sustainable behavior through gamification, education, and social sharing. This fosters awareness and encourages the adoption of eco-friendly habits.
Blockchain technology provides supply chain transparency for ethical sourcing. Consumers can use this information to verify that the products they buy are ethically and sustainably produced.
Cautions and considerations
While technology is a powerful tool for sustainability, its own environmental impact must be managed.
E-waste: The production and disposal of electronic devices contribute to a growing waste stream. Solutions include designing for durability and improving recycling infrastructure.
Energy consumption: Data centers and other tech infrastructure consume significant amounts of energy. Sourcing this power from renewable energy is crucial for minimizing the tech industry's carbon footprint.
Digital divide: Ensuring that all populations have equitable access to new technologies is important to prevent them from exacerbating social inequalities.
Coastal "green resources" refer to both natural habitats like mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and oyster reefs, as well as natural and nature-based infrastructure (NNBI) such as living shorelines made of plants, sand, and natural materials that protect shorelines and provide multiple ecological benefits. These resources function as nurseries for marine life, filter pollutants, protect against storm surges, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity, making them vital for coastal resilience and ecosystem health.
Natural Ecosystems
These are naturally occurring green resources essential for coastal health:
Mangroves:
These "green coastal guardians" provide protective barriers against storm energy, filter excess nutrients, and offer nesting and feeding sites for birds.
Salt Marshes:
They serve as nurseries for young marine species, act as a buffer between land and sea, and trap pollutants, protecting both uplands and estuaries.
Seagrass Beds:
These submerged plants are critical for filtering water, reducing erosion, and supporting a diverse ecosystem.
Oyster Reefs:
Formed by natural oyster populations, these reefs increase habitat diversity, filter water, and help to reduce wave energy.
Green Infrastructure (Living Shorelines)
This involves using natural materials and practices to stabilize shorelines:
Living Shorelines:
A combination of organic materials and natural barriers like native plants, sand, coir fiber logs, and rock structures that are more resilient than hard structures like sea walls.
Benefits:
Living shorelines reduce erosion and flooding, improve water quality, enhance habitats, store carbon, and are often more cost-effective than gray infrastructure.
Ecosystem Services Provided
These green resources deliver significant benefits:
Protection:
They buffer coastlines from storm surges, waves, and flooding.
Habitat & Nursery:
They provide crucial feeding, nesting, and nursery grounds for fish, shellfish, birds, and other wildlife.
Water Quality:
Marshes and reefs filter pollutants and excess nutrients, improving the health of coastal waters.
Climate Regulation:
Coastal habitats store and sequester carbon, helping to regulate the climate.
green resources of the coast
Green resources of the coast are natural habitats and ecosystems that provide critical benefits to coastal communities, such as flood protection, water purification, and biodiversity support. These resources are often referred to as "green infrastructure" or "nature-based solutions".
Types of coastal green resources
Mangrove forests: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, these forests feature tangled, above-ground root systems that provide several protective functions.
Salt marshes: Located in temperate areas, these wetlands are regularly flooded by saltwater and host a variety of species. They also act as natural water filters.
Seagrass meadows: These underwater flowering plants form meadows that serve as vital nurseries for marine species. They can be found in coastal ecosystems worldwide.
Coral reefs: Built by marine invertebrates, coral reefs in shallow tropical waters and deep oceans serve as critical habitats and natural breakwaters.
Oyster and mussel reefs: These shellfish form natural reef structures that stabilize shorelines and improve water quality.
Sand dunes: These natural barriers help trap sediment, reduce coastal erosion, and protect against storm surges.
Key benefits of coastal green resources
1. Coastal protection and resilience
Buffers storm surge: Coastal ecosystems significantly reduce the impact of storms. Healthy coral reefs, for example, can absorb up to 97% of wave energy before it hits the shore.
Reduces erosion: Vegetation like seagrass and marsh grass stabilizes shorelines by anchoring sediment and absorbing wave energy.
Manages flooding: Wetlands and marshes store floodwater during storms, which reduces flooding in nearby communities. They also regulate water levels by absorbing rainwater.
2. Climate change mitigation
Sequestering carbon: Coastal ecosystems such as wetlands, seagrasses, and mangroves are highly effective at storing carbon, often at a faster rate than terrestrial forests.
Adaptation to sea-level rise: Natural systems can adapt to changing conditions, such as rising sea levels, more effectively than rigid, human-built structures.
3. Ecological and economic benefits
Supports biodiversity: Coastal habitats provide vital food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of fish, birds, and other marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Filters water: Coastal plants and reefs naturally filter out pollutants and trap sediments, improving overall water quality.
Supports fisheries: Many commercially important fish species rely on coastal habitats, such as mangrove forests and seagrass beds, during a critical stage of their life cycle.
Boosts recreation and tourism: Healthy coastlines offer beautiful landscapes for tourism and provide opportunities for recreation such as fishing and wildlife watching.
How green coastal resources are used
Green infrastructure is increasingly used in "living shoreline" projects, which stabilize shorelines using natural materials and ecosystems instead of hard structures like seawalls. These strategies can also be combined with conventional "gray" infrastructure in hybrid approaches.
