Green Jobs

WHAT IS A GREEN JOB?

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:23:00 +0000

What is work? For it is work that defines jobs... Our job might be that which we do to create or earn our income that enables our fiscal enablement.

So to act or react within the context of our financial world, is this the meaning of our work or our job, but if that is the case, then how does one describe those who work for no money as such, but work to benefit others, does this count as work?

Yes, it is work, and very often those who volunteer are the most green of all, inasmuch as they consider the best usage of their time. But we are all, to a certain extent trapped within a system that by dint of historic precedent means that to use services and to consume that which we do not create ourselves we have to work within a system, that eats itself.

We need to offer more of our time, effort and energy into the common pool of experience, giving without expecting in return in effect creating a green ocean of positives. This should be the job agency, the careers office that we should be visiting to look for work, what we can give rather than what we can take, and embedded with this green ideal is a perfected view or version of the world that might well manifest as a result of planting the green seeds.

The ideal green job? One of selfless giving and constant understanding of those around, and also of our environment, considered in both its long and short term views, trying to take the bigger picture.

My green job? Sitting still.

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

THE GREEN JOBS ARENA

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:22:00 +0000

There are few less hyped areas of the entire green circus than that of green jobs. It has been lauded as the future for the entire career industry as more futurologists create the potential to arise in the next decades.

But some of the these professionals are looking over 50 years into the century, and see that the eventual outcome is that the vast majority of jobs will be green or clean, as the population simply will not permit any other form of growth.

Now this is an interesting argument, do we think it is possible that the considerations of the planet will at any time over ride those of industry and profit, for if it is the case, it suggests nothing short of a green revolution.

Does anyone truly imagine that the grip on industry and therefore desire (managed through the media and advertising), will be relinquished by those with the vested interests? Well, the only way I see this happening is if the children are re-educated, away from profit and gain, towards sharing and compassion.

Well, it might happen, and the subtle response of what we are expecting (or not) around 2012 might be a paradigm shift created by elemental earth forces that have the ability to stimulate change in the minds of man... It is a possibility, and quite a nice one at that...

The Earth changing the minds of man... and woman, for a green future... Working with nature, at last, a coming home..

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

ULTIMATE GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:20:00 +0000

What is the future for the green industries. Is there a time on the green horizon when all work will be green?

Reading the statistics that are being offered from various sources, it does appear as though convergence, through all forms of manufacturing, entertainment, leisure, health and more are sure to hit the sweet spot, thereafter work will become progressively green in every area, so the time will come when green work is in the large and growing proportions.

But, do we actually believe this?

I for one think that this will have to happen, but it may well be a very long time into the future, for as we depend upon our modern technologies, and these depend almost entirely upon 'brown' jobs, either one or the other will have to go.

This may be a tired argument, but, would you give up your car, your computer, your TV? Or could it be that we have created enough objects, and from now manufacturing becomes a lesser industry, and repair becomes the new boom.

I think that this will become the new boom industry, those who can repair, adapt and fix... to maintain a balance... Green Repair Man! I can see his cape...

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOB SOURCES

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:13:00 +0000

There has been a great deal of analysis recently looking at how the shift in emphasis from the past and future production systems, will be defination create a new raft of green jobs.

Some wildly extravagant claims have been made, but it is not my place to judge as to which these might be... right. I have learned that around three quarters of a million new work placements are to be created, and this relating to just one aspect of the worlds structure, and what might this silver bullet be... the fuel cell industry. I mean, who or what are they trying to kid, and how might they derive such improbable figures?

Well, it is a primary out-take, a shot into the future, that by the means of publicity is intended to carve that future, leading back to the present. It is, what we might call, a future long shot. This projection, by the way, is based into the year 2019, so ten years into the future... So, this represents a magnificent view into the future.

The green collar job, lacks such formal definition, and it is gradually being hijaked by the green washing armies and brigades, those that wish to earn a buck on the back of the manipulation of words, but not for any serving or creative purpose, but as distortion for benefit.

I ask you, what aspect of creating fuel cells can be or could be green? Eh? It is a cynical misuse of phraseology, manufacture is necessarily not green, or am I missing something, so .. I am going to put my neck out and create - A Definition of a Green Job...

To be continued.

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

LOOKING FOR GREEN WORK

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:41:00 +0000

Green jobs, or green work... What is available, and can I have one?

I have been noticing the rise and rise of the chatter on the internet related to the green collar world, and how the new world of employment will be verdant? But, in truth, I am wondering what percentage of these vacancies are green, and if they are, to what extent?

But, I digress, for here I am looking for another to share this page, to help create a new website, Work Can be Green... I have the URL workcanbegreen.com and I am ready to go on this project.

So, organic jobs, eco employment, whatever category interests you, do email... It could be that the best way to progress is to simply direct link through for this page to your jobs website and we establish a tracking link to establish the traffic we send to your site?

Wherever you are in this world, we can connect you with your future, and slowly but surely begin to tip the scales back into the favour of the natural systems... Life can be green, and work can be green...

Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN COLLAR JOBS PROGRESS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:18:00 +0000

With Christmas now over, many Ohio Valley residents may have old and outdated computers and equipment to get rid of in favor of newer, updated hardware. Luckily, those looking to recycle their old computers don't have to go far.

The new Reconnect program sponsored by Goodwill Industries Inc. offers free recycling of laptop and desktop computers, monitors, hard drives, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, speakers, cords and cables, ink and toner and software at all of its Ohio Valley locations.

According to Jake Chema, director of Recycling Operations and Facility Contracts for Goodwill, the program has two goals.

'We believe that this program will help create green collar jobs and provide job training for people with barriers to employment and it will help keep e waste out of landfills,' he said.

Since the national program started in 2004, more than 48 million tons of e waste has been recycled, Chema said, adding that the program launched locally on Dec. 16.

The program serves Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Pleasant counties in West Virginia, as well as 10 counties in Ohio, including Belmont, Monroe and Noble. Items can be dropped off at any Goodwill Industries retail or attended location in those counties.

Items dropped off for the program are sorted by Goodwill and sent to Dell, a partner in the Reconnect program, Chema said. Those materials will then be either recycled or remarketed instead of being thrown out. Those donating equipment are asked to remove all data from the computers and hard drives before dropping them off.

More information on the program, as well as a map of local dropoff points can be found online at www.reconnectpartnership. com.

By J.W. JOHNSON JR.

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

LIFTING GREEN JOB PROSPECTS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Workers who know how to weatherize homes are expected to be in high demand soon, as cities start doling out federal grants for energy efficiency.

Bob Chapman is executive director of the WARM Training Center in Detroit. The non profit teaches a 10 week course that trains weatherization specialists. Chapman says many contractors have been waiting on federal stimulus money that cities are just now starting to release.

'The feedback we were getting from employers was, we're intent to hire these people, and we're going to need more,' said Chapman.

So far about 40 Detroit residents have been trained in insulation, repairing and installing windows, and sealing buildings.

Chapman says starting pay for the work is about $14 to $18 an hour. He says displaced auto workers and chronically unemployed people have made up the bulk of the two training classes so far. A third class is expected to start in late January.

By Sarah Hulett

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

WORKFORCE - GREEN!

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:22:00 +0000

The U.S. Department of Energy recently recognized Austin's Pecan Street Project for its visionary leadership in the development of smart grid systems with a $10.4 million stimulus funds award. The project will deliver electricity more efficiently to consumers using two way digital flows that can save energy and reduce costs.

It will also provide a model for a clean energy economy in Central Texas, a key improvement because between 6 percent and 10 percent of energy is lost because grids are not sufficiently intelligent.

The award spotlighted the power of an innovative, Austin based public/private partnership to combine best practices with smart technologies that can create the intelligent utility networks of the future.

The potential of public/private partnerships across Texas is arguably unmatched given the state's resources and requirements. Texas leads the nation in crude oil, natural gas and electricity production as well as in wind power generation. Our solar power potential is also among the highest in the U.S.

But Texas is also the greatest energy consumer, Texans use one tenth of all U.S. energy. So there's both the challenge and the opportunity.

To meet Texas' energy needs, it is imperative that public institutions and private enterprises work together to forge partnerships and invest in technological innovation in a variety of energy fields. For a successful model, we need look no further than the Pecan Street Project, which has brought together the City of Austin, the University of Texas, Austin Energy and nine leading technology companies. IBM is proud to be one of those partners. The benefits will be considerable.

For the Austin region, the project aims to create an environmental, or 'green collar,' work force; expand the use of more efficient, cost effective clean energy; promote entrepreneurial opportunity in energy and water systems; and protect utilities' financial soundness.

By Tony Befi

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOB CREATION

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:18:00 +0000

This December, Denver based Veterans Green Jobs will be among a group of American veterans representing the United States at the Climate Summit in Copenhagen.

Meanwhile, here at home, clean energy legislation is being debated in the Senate which will determine the future of a new sustainable economy and will ensure the U.S. makes strides toward energy independence. As military service veterans, we ask Sens. Bennet and Udall to take a stand on a vote that has great importance to our national security: a vote for clean energy.

America is far too reliant on the dirty, polluting fossil fuels of the past that subject our economy to major fluctuations in fuel prices and threaten our national security. Moving to energy that is clean, domestic, cheap, and safe will take some effort but the payoff will be enormous.

Clean energy has the potential to create millions of jobs here at home. We can create clean energy jobs initially through weatherization work and implementation of energy efficiency measures in our homes and businesses to start conserving energy and saving consumers and business owners money.

By Garett Reppenhagen

THE LATEST GREEN EMPLOYMENT NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN WORK IN CHINA

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:45:00 +0000

New York Sen. Charles Schumer should be applauded for his recent decision to question the use of $450 million of economic stimulus money to fund a 600 megawatt wind farm in Texas, calling on the Obama administration to deny federal funding.

The project in question would erect 240 wind turbines manufactured by A Power Energy Generation Systems of Shenyang, China, on 36,000 acres in West Texas. Organizers of the project cite that an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 manufacturing jobs would be created. But those jobs won't be here in New York or in the United States; they'll be created in China using our federal tax dollars.

Even worse, a recent independent study cited by Schumer found that 84 percent of the $1.05 billion in 'green' stimulus funding distributed by the Obama administration since September has gone to foreign companies.

By Edward Cowle

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

CALIFORNIA GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Sen. Barbara Boxer envisions green jobs sprouting in California's parched economy if the climate change bill she's shepherding through the Senate passes.

'We believe the climate bill is the answer to jobs,' Boxer, a Rancho Mirage resident who is seeking a fourth term next year, told a gathering of the bill's backers recently. 'It's important to see how far we've come and to get the rest done.'

But the Democrat's highest profile Republican opponent, former tech CEO Carly Fiorina, sees fallow fields in Boxer's plans.

Fiorina, the former head of Hewlett Packard who was fired in 2005, says Boxer's climate change plans, which include a cap on carbon emissions, would be a job killer for the Golden State and the nation.

It's still early in the 2010 election cycle, but the issue of jobs versus environmental protections will play a key role in what's shaping up to be Boxer's toughest political battle yet in one of the highest profile Senate races next year.

By John Yaukey

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOBS ADVANCE

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:11:00 +0000

The range. Green positions run from the predictable, such as eco activism work, to more unconventional careers.

"Nobody really knows what green jobs are anyway," said Tom Savage, a managing partner at Bright Green Talent, a job search firm. "There's a whole gradient of color between the greenest jobs and the non-green. But it's more important to get excited that more jobs are greening in general."

Many positions involve skills that can be transferred from other lines of work.

Sometimes, though, switching into a green job can cause culture shock.

Although pulling solar panel installers and engineers from roofing and construction industries is usually painless, former homebuilders used to high profits can be flummoxed by the low margin, volume driven nature of the solar industry, said Angiolo Laviziano, chief executive of REC Solar.

By Tiffany Hsu

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

LOOKING FOR GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

An increasing number of job seekers have been attending green jobs conferences and networking events and reading a burgeoning list of green career guides as part of an effort to transition into a job where they feel good about their work.

Too often they run into one of several common challenges that end up derailing their search and undermining their confidence: They're rejected, find employers indifferent to their resume, or are totally ignored by headhunters or the companies to which they apply.

If this sounds familiar, Nick Corcodilos's 36 page ebook, How Can I Change Careers? might help. Organized as a series of topical essays with a crib sheet at the end, it offers easy to read, harder to apply advice that goes beyond the simplified and watered down ideas in many career guides to get to the truth of what makes a career switcher a good hire. Corcodilos, author of the excellent Ask the Headhunter career guide and curator of a rather busy website, also shows you how to get there.

While short, this 'answer kit' is to the point and offers a smart strategy for career change and should be very useful for those already passionate about working in some sector of the green economy. And while $12.95 may sound like a lot for such a short book, it offers narrowly focused, actionable advice from an expert in the process of career change that make it a worthwhile investment for the right buyer.

By Frank Marquardt

THE LATEST GREEN JOB SEARCH NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

CREATING GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Sonoma County increased 8.4 percent between January 2009 and September 2009 after the implementation of the $100 million Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP). Data from SCEIP, the Construction Industry Research Board and California Employment Development Department shows that construction related jobs increased at the same time more than $14 million was contracted with homeowners and businesses participating in SCEIP. California's unemployment continued its increase to a high of 12.5 percent and nationwide 9.5 percent in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sonoma County unemployment hit 10.1 percent.

An example of a local Sonoma County business that has increased construction-related jobs due to SCEIP funding is The Sun Connection.

"Since SCEIP began, we have hired 9 new employees to meet the demand, and look forward to continued growth in the spring," said Alicia Collins, owner of The Sun Connection, a family owned company in Santa Rosa, CA that specializes in whole house energy saving solutions. "After 16 years of doing business in Sonoma County, 2007 and 2008 were our slowest years. SCEIP has parted the clouds of the recession, shinning the light on solar. The future looks bright at The Sun Connection."

The Sonoma County Water Agency and County of Sonoma jointly pledged up to $100 million to fund energy efficiency and water conservation improvements for residential and commercial property owners. SCEIP allows property owners to finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment attached to the property, paid back through the property tax system over time.

THE LATEST GREEN CAREER NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOBS FOR LOCALS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:42:00 +0000

State and local energy policy expert Satya Rhodes Conway told an audience at Lakeshore Technical College that the green economy could create up to 5 million jobs in the coming years, and many American workers already possess most of the skills needed to fill those positions.

'Renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt of power installed, per unit of energy produced and per dollar of investment than fossil fuel energy,' said Rhodes Conway, a senior associate with the Center on Wisconsin Strategy and organizer of the Wisconsin Apollo Alliance. 'These jobs are really attainable for a lot of the folks who are unemployed or are just coming into the workforce. They don't require us to attain many new skills, but to produce something new with a skill set we already have.'

Her talk was last Wednesday.

Rhodes Conway defined a 'green job' as a good, family supporting, middle skill job in the primary sector of the green economy. She said technical colleges are 'a key part" in the process of supporting this economy, as they provide services to advance workers' skills so they can be applied in new areas.

'Places like Lakeshore Technical College, which trains people for green jobs, are key in all of this,' Rhodes Conway said. 'You can't do the work if you don't have the workers to do it.

By Sheboygan Press

THE LATEST GREEN WORK NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN SECTOR JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:51:00 +0000

After growing almost exponentially in recent years, attendance at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, held November 11 to 13 in Phoenix, hovered around 28,000, roughly equivalent to the size of the 2008 conference in Boston. In addition to a star studded opening ceremony, headlined by Al Gore and Sheryl Crow, the convention featured a long list of educational sessions, field trips, and press conferences. Topics ran the gamut, from building performance to job growth. Here are a few highlights from Greenbuild 2009.

Greenbuild 2009, held in the Phoenix Convention Center, drew about 28,000 attendees. Topics of discussion during the three day event included building performance and job growth in the green sector

Generating Jobs

The 52 page 'Green Jobs Study,' produced by the USGBC and the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), was released during the convention and it offers some impressive numbers. About $554 billion will be spent between 2009 and 2013 on construction of buildings that have multiple sustainable features or are LEED certified. It will take 7.9 million jobs to create these buildings, according to the report.

'The study demonstrates that investing in green buildings contributes significantly to our nation's wealth while creating jobs in a range of occupations, from carpenters to cost estimators,' claims Gary Rahl, senior vice president of BAH. The report can be downloaded at www.usgbc.org/greeneconomy.

By Joann Gonchar

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOB SEEKING

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:08:00 +0000

Here are some resources for job seekers interested in the clean tech, renewable energy and sustainability industries.

1. GreenJobs:
The site has 45,000 registered job seekers and offers recruitment services and a directory of renewable energy companies and organizations. Visit www.greenjobs.com.

2. Sustain Lane:
The green job listing section contains advice for recent graduates, discussion boards and job hunting tips, including tutorials on green resume writing and networking. Visit www.sustainlane.com/ green-jobs.

3. Green Jobs Network:
This Berkeley based site has a job board, links to other job boards, a blog about career resources and a group on LinkedIn with around 10,000 members. It also organizes career fairs and informational sessions. Visit www.greenjobs.net.

4. Sustainable Business.com:
Under the Green Dream Jobs tab, the site lists hundreds of opportunities around the world. The New York site is about to launch the Green Jobs Education Directory, which will list green degree programs in the U.S.

By Working Green

THE LATEST GREEN JOB AVAILABILITY NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOB TRAINING

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:19:00 +0000

Good afternoon Your Excellencies.

Jack Layton asked me to pass on his sincerest apologies, he wishes he was well enough to speak to you today.

I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to speak, and thanks also to Ambassador Iremark for providing such a pleasant place to meet.

A major global economic shift is underway and Canada can either be at the forefront of the new economy or trail behind.

Which it will be depends on how successfully we shift to a greener economy and take up the fight against climate change.

Right now, Canada has one of the highest per capita carbon emissions in the world.

And it's no secret that Canadians remain divided over how aggressively we should fight climate change.

Our economy relies on both traditional manufacturing and extractive resources, much of which is exported.

So whether it's automotive parts in Southern Ontario or the tar sands in Alberta, key industries will need significant change to meet new carbon emission reduction targets.

While public opinion is in favour of action, consumers will need to accept some lifestyle changes.

And we have yet to see a willingness to make the necessary shifts in our economy away from emission intensive to clean energy industries.

We still have work to do in convincing Canadians that the costs of doing nothing will be far greater than those of acting, especially in the long term.

In fact, as many of your countries have demonstrated, fighting climate change can be an opportunity to retool an economy for the 21st century.

And on that front, we remain far behind the European Union.

By Paul Dewar

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

MOVING GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Four months after Governor Jan Brewer signed Arizona's new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive into law, she today announced one of the world's largest solar cell manufacturers will locate its United States headquarters in Arizona and create jobs for Arizonans. China based Suntech Power Holdings is a multi billion dollar corporation that makes photovoltaic solar cells and solar electric systems.

'I am very serious about establishing Arizona as a leader in the renewable energy sector, and creating quality, stable jobs that will help advance and diversify our state's economy,' Governor Brewer stated. 'Arizona is a strategic location with a highly skilled workforce, low payroll taxes, and, now, the right incentive program to make business sense. I am pleased to welcome Suntech to Arizona, and commend the company for choosing our great State as the site for its solar manufacturing operation.'

'States compete for high paying jobs, and the new Renewable Energy Tax Incentive Program allows us to compete while making sure that the companies who choose to locate in Arizona are an asset to the state's economy by providing high wage jobs and health benefits,' said Senator Barbara Leff who helped champion the legislation. 'The renewable energy sector is vital to our economic future.'

By EV Living

THE lATEST GREEN JOB NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN CONSTRUCTION WORK

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

For some time now, the term 'LEED' was the word on the street.

For those who may not be up to speed on the eco conscious green building speak, LEED as defined by the United States Green Building Council is 'an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.'

It is just one of the many measures being taken to not only develop more environmentally beneficial practices in a variety of industries while in some cases creating new jobs.

Along those lines, Michigan Works recently announced it would be offering 15 new scholarships 'to train individuals with the skills and certification needed to succeed in energy conservation related construction apprenticeships.'

The specialized program will be administered through Lake Michigan College.

As many of the area's unemployed continue to look for jobs, the program is hoping to help their chances 'by preparing them with the skills relevant to employers in the construction industry.'

'What we find is that most of the new construction practices and techniques are green construction,' said Candice Elders, of Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren.

'Recent studies have projected an influx of career opportunities in this industry,' added Todd Gustafson, executive director of Michigan Works. Its important that our local workforce has the cutting edge skills to keep up with industry trends.'

By JESSICA SIEFF

THE LATEST GREEN COLLAR NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN JOBS AND THE CLIMATE

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

On November 15, President Obama participated in the 17th Annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' meeting in Singapore. APEC members account for 53% of global GDP, purchase 58% of U.S. goods exports, and represent a market of 2.7 billion consumers. In 2008, U.S. goods exports to the Asia Pacific totaled $747 billion, an increase of 8.3% over 2007. During that same period, U.S. services exports to the region totaled $186.5 billion, up 7.7 percent.

U.S. Hosting of APEC in 2011. President Obama expressed his strong support for APEC and stated that the United States is a Pacific nation whose economic ties to the Asia Pacific are strong and enduring. He pledged that under his Administration, the United States will be an active and engaged partner in APEC and the region. He announced that in 2011, when the United States hosts APEC, he looks forward to welcoming his fellow APEC leaders to Hawaii.

Balanced, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth. APEC leaders endorsed the Pittsburgh G20 principles and agreed to implement the policies of the G20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth, further expanding the global commitment to achieve more balanced growth that is less prone to destabilizing booms and busts. Leaders pledged to make growth more inclusive through APEC initiatives that will support development of small and medium enterprises, facilitate worker retraining, and enhance economic opportunity for women.

Regional Economic Integration. Despite strong export growth to the Asia Pacific, the United States' share of the total trade in the region has declined by three percent in the past five years.

By Pakistan Christian Post

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

INDIAN GREEN EMPLOYMENT

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Business experts from across the country will meet in the national capital on Monday to discuss green job opportunities available in India.

The initiative 'Rework India' by NGO Youth Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (YES) and Drishtee is an effort to discuss how investors and the government can support green jobs for youth in India.

The meeting will engage 100 key stakeholders from all over India, comprising business leaders, political decision makers, social entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, development experts and others who want to work with youth innovators to advance collaborations solutions and find ways to support existing green initiatives in India with youth networks.

'Rework India is bringing together a number of key Indian partners who are already advancing promising initiatives, green business models and technologies, and seeks to leverage and support their visions by adding youth momentum,' said P.K. Joseph, project director.

The meeting is a part of the preparations for the fifth Global Youth Employment Summit in Sweden 2010, which will set the stage and global agenda for generating two million green livelihoods for young people around the world.

By Samay Live

THE LATEST GREEN CAREERS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN AND MULTI COLOURED JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:03:00 +0000

The Barack Obama administration's drive to promote a "green" economy is not working in the interest of poor people in the United States, especially those who belong to minority communities, according to a new study by a leading think tank.

"The communities of colour are hardest hit [by joblessness]," said Terry Keleher, who co authored the report, "Green Equity Toolkit: Standards and strategies for advancing race, gender and economic equality in the green economy".

"They can benefit from the emerging green economy. But that is not happening," he told IPS.

The report, released this week by the Oakland, California based Applied Research Center, says that a vast majority of green jobs are being filled by white men, even though there is no scarcity of talent among people of colour and women of all ethnicities.

According to Keleher's findings, which he concluded in collaboration with his colleague Yvonne Liu, African Americans and Latinos comprise less than 30 percent of those employed in green industries and economies.

"Gender disparities are even starker," said Liu, who found that African American women are employed in only 1.5 percent of the energy sector workforce. The numbers are even worse as far as Asian and Latino women are concerned. Their share in jobs stands at 1.0 and 0.7 percent, respectively.

The term "green economy" refers to businesses that care about environmental protection, energy efficiency, preservation of biodiversity, community self reliance, and sustainable development.

By Haider Rizvi

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

GREEN SECTOR WORK

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:37:00 +0000

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has welcomed news that £1.4m from the Future Jobs Fund will help create 220 jobs across Wales.

The 'Future Jobs Fund' supports the creation of jobs for long term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market. The fund, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to create 150,000 temporary jobs until 2011, primarily for 18 to 24 year olds who have been out of work for around 12 months. The fund invites organisations to submit bids for funding, and bids should aim to create at least 30 jobs over a six month period.

By Welsh Assembly Government

THE LATEST GREEN COLLAR NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN

CHINESE GREEN JOBS

markyparky2@hotmail.com (Mark Golding - The Healing Creative) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:17:00 +0000

Since the Wall Street Journal reported last month that a Chinese company would supply the turbines at a huge new wind farm in Texas, an alliance of Steelworkers and U.S. steel companies has protested mightily about taxpayers helping to fund jobs off shore.

A spokesman for U.S. Renewable Energy Group, a partner in the Texas project, told the newspaper that it would be seeking tax credits and federal stimulus money for a project that would create 2,800 jobs, the vast majority in China.

The issue goes beyond the questionable use of Recovery Act funds: At a time when countries everywhere are reconfiguring their economies toward clean energy goals, China is outpacing the United States in wind power in part because of the lack of commitment by the U.S. government and Congress.

What's more, China is repeating the familiar story of positioning itself as a principal exporter of wind power machinery.

Sen. Christopher 'Kit' Bond hasn't been known as a major supporter of wind energy, but as ranking Republican on a Senate subcommittee on green jobs he's been a frequent critic of environmental projects he regards as weasteful.

So this afternoon, he sent a letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu requesting a review of all renewable energy projects in the United States supported by government money to determine where the jobs are going.

'There is bipartisan concern that the Obama administratgion is using U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund green jobs in China and other foreign countries,' he wrote

By Bill Lambrecht

THE LATEST GREEN JOBS NEWS, FROM WORK CAN BE GREEN