Jobs in California’s green sector grew more than three times faster than total employment in the state for the period January 2008 – 2009; and many were related to renewable energy.
The “Many Shades Of Green” report from Next 10 shows the “Core Green Economy” now accounts for 174,000 jobs in California. In January 2008-09, the most recent observable year, green jobs expanded by three percent, compared to a one percent increase in overall jobs.
Next 10 defines the Core Green Economy as consisting of businesses providing goods and services that provide alternatives to carbon based energy sources, conserve energy and natural resources and/or reduce pollution and repurpose waste.
From 1995 to 2009, the energy generation sector saw the most jobs added to California’s Core Green Economy, adding nearly 20,000 jobs across the state. Energy generation includes renewable energy generation, related research and testing, consulting, equipment, controls and other relevant management software and services.
In the manufacturing sector, employment across the board represents only 11 percent of jobs in California, but represents 26 percent of all green employment.
Employment in green installation, sales, research and development, finance and investment sectors has more than doubled in California since 1995.
Next 10 says it is an “independent, nonpartisan organization that educates, engages and empowers Californians to improve the state’s future”. The group was founded and is funded by venture capitalist and philanthropist F. Noel Perry.
The full “Many Shades Of Green” report can be downloaded here (PDF)
