The Success of Green Careers is No Longer Debatable
~ Samantha Lewis
Buzzed about in the beginning of 2013, 2014 buzz is still just as strong regarding the profit and help to the country that green careers provide. It was stated by many (and still is), that green careers would be the catalyst in helping America recover financially. The debate comes in as to whether or not this has actually worked.
When it comes to having a green career, there are tons of jobs to choose from. The green career has actually changed the modern workplace in the last two decades, with more and more industries discovering the latest green technology to open up employment doors for the many out-of-work Americans.
The demand and desire for the green career continues to grow. There are the “Higher Demand Green Occupations,” which basically are career paths where the on the job duties never change, but the scope of the career expands because of the increased demand for greener products. Everything from the good, old bus driver to the agricultural inspector is needed in the 21st Century far more than ever before. One, is to meet the rising demand of people who want to take alternate transportation instead of adding more pollution to the already clogged atmosphere; while the other is necessary in order to meet the now high demand for organic and sustainable farming techniques.
When it comes to the electric and building industry, the green career has also taken a central role. American homes are being built and retrofitted with greener products that save money in the long run because they are the more efficient solution. And green construction has taken off, with new solar facilities and/or geothermal projects beginning that are covering both commercial and residential needs.
Another category of green careers is the “Changing Skills Green Occupations.” These fields are actually adding new job duties every day; they are expanding into specialty areas because of the constant new green products and services that are finding their way into the American market.
Extra education has also been monitored in green data collected by researchers. When it comes to those construction managers who need to know all about the geothermal heating and cooling technology, they’ve gone back to school. In addition, PR and marketing companies have gone back in order to keep up with the new ways to develop and market green businesses.
Farmers and ranchers are learning and adopting the many new sustainable farming practices because more and more consumers are demanding their food be organic.
And the last category of the green career is called, “New Green,” which is simply the brand new career choices that have been spawned by the ‘green’ nation. Energy auditors are now necessary; experts at determining just how energy-efficient homes or buildings really are. Sustainability Officers are part of the team when it comes to overseeing and managing green activities, and Wind Energy Engineers are now a staple in the American job market, as we find new ways to design and develop wind farm systems.
Bottom line: Green careers do help this country’s economy. Although they are not a complete rescue for the unemployment numbers, healthcare issues, or stock market jumps and declines – they are most definitely worth every penny!
Experts say by 2030, the green career field will be enormous, helping to support all states’ economies for the rest of time. And even better, the American consumer’s demand to have more green products and services grows bigger every day!
