October 4, 2011

The Clean Energy Job Surge: October 2011 In October 2011, the conversation around clean energy jobs was buzzing with optimism and urgency. The United States faced a pivotal moment in its energy policy, with debates raging about the future of renewable energy and its potential to create jobs. This article delves into the state of clean energy jobs during this period, drawing insights from various sources. The State of Clean Energy Jobs The clean energy sector was on the rise. Reports indicated that Massachusetts alone boasted 64,000 clean energy jobs, accounting for a significant portion of the state's employment. This growth was not isolated. Across the nation, clean energy jobs were becoming a robust and growing source of employment, driven by advancements in energy efficiency and renewable technologies. Challenges and Opportunities Despite the positive trends, challenges remained. The U.S. faced stiff competition from countries like China, which heavily invested in solar manufacturing. However, Energy Secretary Steven Chu emphasized the importance of not conceding defeat. He argued that the U.S. must continue to innovate and manufacture clean energy technologies domestically to lead in the 21st century. Green Living Guy's Take Seth Leitman, known as the Green Living Guy, highlighted the critical need for continued investment in clean energy. He argued that giving up on clean energy jobs would be a disservice to American workers and the environment. His insights underscore the importance of perseverance and innovation in the face of global competition. The Path Forward Looking ahead, the clean energy sector promised vast economic opportunities. The International Energy Agency projected that solar power could account for over 20% of the world's electricity in the coming decades, presenting a trillion-dollar opportunity for leading nations. This potential made it clear that clean energy was not just an environmental imperative but an economic one as well. Conclusion In conclusion, October 2011 was a defining moment for clean energy jobs in the U.S. The sector's growth offered hope and opportunity, but it also required strategic investment and policy support. As the nation grappled with these challenges, the message was clear: now was not the time to wave the white flag on clean energy jobs. Instead, it was a time to double down on innovation and leadership in the global clean energy race. References: Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships MassLive Report on Clean Energy Jobs Georgetown Climate Center Internal Sources: Green Living Guy Blog Green Living Guy's Take Energy Secretary Steven Chu's Remarks

Clean Energy Jobs: A Growing Sector with Promising Opportunities

October 4, 2011 No Comments

Blog post from Dan Pfeiffer, White House Communications Director
This morning, Chairman Cliff Stearns, who leads the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, told NPR that “We can’t compete with China to make solar panels and wind turbines.”
This comment reflects exactly the sort of counterproductive defeatism that Energy Secretary Steven Chu warned against this weekend when he spoke to a group of America’s most promising young solar innovators:
“The United States faces a choice today: Will we sit on the sidelines and fall behind or will we play to win the clean energy race? Some say this is a race America can’t win. They’re ready to wave the white flag and declare defeat… Others say this is a race America shouldn’t even be in. They say we can’t afford to invest in clean energy. I say we can’t afford not to.

Greenhouse Gas Standard for Corporate

October 4, 2011 No Comments

The Greenhouse Gas Protocollaunched two new standards today that will empower businesses to better measure, manage, andreport their greenhouse gas emissions. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) and Product Life Cycle Standards will enablecompanies to save money, reduce risks, and gain competitive advantages.
“These standards are a breakthrough for business. For the first time, companies will be able to measure and manage the full scope of emissions in their value chain and products, so they can take advantage of new opportunities as they reduce greenhouse gases,” said Manish Bapna, Interim President, WRI. “Backed by the credibility of the GHG Protocol, the new standards will help move businesses and reporting programs to one harmonized global reporting framework.”
The new standards were created in response to businesses that want to better understand and measure their climate impacts beyond their own operations. Companies that use the standards will be able to create better products and improve efficiency throughout the value chain.