Opinions
Limits to the logic of green jobs
The fundamental problem is that there's no solid evidence that green policies -- even those aimed explicitly at creating jobs -- will actually lower the long-term unemployment rate. Most of the research on how these sorts of programs might build up the work force simply tallies the payrolls, current or projected, of companies in renewable energy and other sectors. (Analyses typically include not only jobs installing solar panels or engineering algae for biofuels, but also secondary activities like making widgets for use in windmills.)
March 28, 2009
by Michael A. Levi
in New York Times Syndicate
Relying on a single solution risks failure on both fronts
"Climate change. What's the solution? A green jobs revolution." So chanted thousands of protesters who braved the frigid early March weather in Washington, D.C., to demand aggressive government action on alternative energy.
They have reason to be optimistic. The recently passed economic stimulus bill promises to create thousands of green jobs. Vice President Joe Biden's new Middle Class Task Force devoted its first meeting, held Feb. 26 in Philadelphia, to praising their virtues. President Barack Obama contends that his policies will deliver 5 million green jobs in the next two decades.... [continue via Web link]
| < prev | next > |
Note: this article may be subject to the Fair Use Notice.