• Welcome
  • Community
  • Blogs
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Join
  • Log in
Follow MNN    
MNN - Mother Nature Network - Envrionmental News
improve your world

 

Saturday, May 26, 2012
  • Earth Matters

    Browse All » Animals Weather Energy Politics Space Translating Uncle Sam Wilderness & Resources

  • Health

    Browse All » Allergies Fitness & Well-Being Healthy Spaces

  • Lifestyle

    Browse All » Arts & Culture Travel Natural Beauty & Fashion Recycling Responsible Living

  • GREEN TECH

    Browse All » Computers Gadgets & Electronics Research & Innovations Transportation

  • Eco-Biz & Money

    Browse All » Green Workplace Personal Finance Sustainable Business Practices

  • Food & Drink

    Browse All » Beverages Healthy Eating Recipes

  • Your Home

    Browse All » At Home Organic Farming & Gardening Remodeling & Design

  • family

    Browse All » Babies & Pregnancy Family Activities Pets Protection & Safety

Tweet
Pin It
Email Bookmark and ShareShare
WorldShares lets you earn donations for your favorite nonprofit. Earn up to 20 points now.
Learn More

Earn Points
What's this?
MNN.COM›

MNN BLOGGERS

Melissa Hincha-Ownby

Looking ahead: Green jobs in 2012

Will green job growth outpace typical job growth or will it be a rough year?

Thu, Dec 22 2011 at 2:23 PM EST
 3

Green Jobs March - PowerShift 09 Photo: UOPowerShift09/Flickr
Every December I like to look ahead and think about what the new year may have in store and this year my thoughts are centered on the economy. Now I’m not an economist nor do I have a magical crystal ball, I just have an interest in the job market and specifically green jobs. While I typically try to look at the positive side of a situation, I’m concerned about green job growth in 2012.
 
My biggest concern about green jobs is that, overall, the job market is stale. If the job market is struggling, it isn’t going to be easy to convince lawmakers, investors and other decision-makers that a clean energy economy is worthy of their time and financial support.
 
As we all know, there will be a presidential election next year. This means that it's time for some good old-fashioned mud-slinging, and green jobs have already been the target of such negative talk. Current Republican candidate Rick Perry of Texas pointed to the failure of Solyndra as an example of how a green economy is bad for the nation. Granted he called Solyndra a country and not a company, but most people understood the intent of his statement — a green economy is a waste of taxpayer’s money.
 
The do-nothing Congress is also going to cause problems with green jobs growth in 2012. Congress can’t even come to an agreement on a tax cut extension, at a time when the economy is on such shaky ground that any increase in taxes could fling the nation back into a recession. The partisan political game being played in Washington is not conducive to job growth, especially not green job growth.
 
Another concern is with the production tax credit (PTC), which not only helps the wind industry operate on a daily basis, it also fosters job growth in the sector. Wind industry growth adds good, solid middle-class green jobs for tens of thousands of American workers. If the PTC expires at the end of 2012, then the job growth will not only be halted, but many of those currently employed in the sector will face job losses as well.
 
I can honestly say that I hope I’m wrong. I hope that the political mud-flinging stays away from green jobs. I hope that the do-nothing Congress turns into a do-something Congress, and I hope that the wind energy industry isn’t crippled as 2012 turns into 2013.
 
What about you? How do you think green jobs will fare in 2012?
Previous Post
Watch: Green jobs in Iowa at risk
   Next Post
Watch: Jobs in 2012
You might also like:
Related Topics: Green Economy, Green Jobs, Politics, Wind Power

Comments

Follow this conversation
Add your comment
View:
  • All (3)

anonymous
Go Nuke 12/24/2011 07:07 AM

Wind, Solar, Hydro just don't cut it. Negegative impact on the enviornment. Stop displacing wild life by building your windmills. Nuke is the way to go. People need to think practical not emotionally.

  • |
  • Reply
  • report this post 

danibomb
danibomb 12/23/2011 12:52 PM

There are ups and downs to any industry... including green or environmentally friendly ones. What we need is more funding for scientific research to understand what can be done to make sure 'green' jobs really are just that.

  • |
  • Reply
  • report this post 

anonymous
Kitchen Benchtops 12/22/2011 21:13 PM

Wind industry progress adds good, solid middle-class green jobs for tens of thousands of American workers. I just I understand this bit.

  • |
  • Reply
  • report this post 

Add your comment

Sign in with one of these accounts or just add your comment below.
    Log in or
    create an account
     
    •  
Used only for emailed comments and will not be displayed with your post
Notify me with an email when other people comment on this article.
The posting of advertisement, profanity or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our Terms of Use

EDITORS' PICKS

tease to asteroids

tease to pet facials

tease to emotional eating

ADVERTISEMENT

NEWSLETTER

Mother Nature. Delivered

CONNECT WITH MNN

Follow @twitterapi
 Tumblr
 Google +

About Melissa Hincha-Ownby

Business guru blogs about the latest in green biz.

RSS feedMore about Melissa

Recent Posts

  • Apple data center to run entirely on clean energy
  • Watch: Tim Cook's Apple challenges
  • Survey: Majority of students want an 'impact job'
+ Add this to my site
From our sponsor

From Washroom To Showroom

Wave one hand in front of an enMotion® dispenser and you get a paper towel, wave... more >

Georgia Aquarium's Cold Water Quest protects endangered African penguins

Sponsored by Georgia-Pacific, the new Georgia Aquarium Cold Water Quest exhibit... more >

Walmart: Partnering on Zero Waste

Walmart's slogan, "Save Money, Live Better," doesn't only... more >

Are You an Everyday Superhero?

When it comes to the environment, it doesn’t always take big, bold action.... more >

Georgia-Pacific Professional Seeks Champions of the American Workforce

The 2012 Brawny Industrial® Brand Great American Worker to Win Ford® F-150 Truck more >
SUSTAINABILITY FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

GP Facebook link

Melissa's BLOGROLL

Real Life LEEDInhabitat
Jetson GreenCrunchy Goddess
Organic ManiaFake Plastic Fish
Eco-Office GalsThe Smart Mama

ADVERTISEMENT



Quick Links

  • About Us
  • Advisory Board
  • Editors' Blog
  • Press
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Service
  • WorldShares

MNN Tools

  • Advice
  • Blogs
  • Day in History
  • Eco-glossary
  • Infographics
  • Lists
  • Photos
  • Videos

Connect

  • Community
  • Contact Us
  • Contests
  • Idea Lab
  • Mixed Greens
  • Newsletters
  • Polls
  • RSS

Channels

  • Earth Matters
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Green Tech
  • Eco-Biz & Money
  • Your Home
  • Family
  • State Reports

Follow MNN

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Google+
  • StumbleUpon
 

Copyright © 2012 MNN Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Website by GLICK INTERACTIVE | Powered by CIRRACORE
 
SPONSORS