| Kermit the Frog was perhaps prophetic when he | | | | sustainability-related fields. The plan seeks to: |
| crooned "It's not easy being green". While behaving in | | | | Help create five million new jobs by strategically |
| an environmentally responsible way may not always | | | | investing $150 billion over the next ten years to |
| be the quickest or least expensive way to get things | | | | catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future. |
| done, we can probably all agree that it's become a | | | | Within 10 years save more oil than we currently |
| necessity if we hope to preserve and repair our | | | | import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined. |
| surroundings. Temperatures are climbing, ice caps are | | | | Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars - (that can get up to |
| melting, the ozone layer is depleting, deforestation is | | | | 150 miles per gallon) on the road by 2015. |
| changing the landscape for the animal kingdom, and | | | | Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from |
| the list goes on and on. Being green has become an | | | | renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. |
| imperative recognized worldwide which makes it an | | | | Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by |
| area ripe for employment when most jobs right now | | | | 2050. |
| are exceptionally competitive. Not only is it a field that | | | | Opportunities will exist at virtually every turn. The |
| stands good odds of helping you earn a paycheck, but | | | | career potential is so big that Marie Kerpan, founder of |
| it's a job that does good...for all of us, and there's | | | | Green Careers consulting practice said, "There are a |
| something out there for virtually everyone. | | | | bazillion companies where you can take your skills and |
| "Green jobs" are no longer limited to park rangers. | | | | put it to work in a 'green company.'" Bronwyn Llewellyn |
| According to the American Solar Energy Society, | | | | recognized so much potential in this sector that she |
| "green-collar jobs" currently total 8.5 million U.S. jobs in | | | | authored "Green Jobs: A Guide to Eco-Friendly |
| renewable-energy and energy-efficiency industries, but | | | | Employment." |
| could grow to as many as 40 million by 2030. | | | | There will always be a place for scientists and |
| Obtaining a four-year college degree will double your | | | | engineers in the sustainability arena, but there will be a |
| lifetime earnings, but be strategic about the college | | | | increasing need for marketing and advertising experts, |
| path you choose so that you will have the skills you | | | | policy analysts, accountants, and sales people who |
| need to secure a job once you're done. Tailor yourself, | | | | understand this arena. An unpredictable economy |
| carve a niche that will allow you to stand apart in a | | | | means that students must determine how to |
| market crowded by applicants. | | | | differentiate themselves and how to fill job needs. |
| The Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for | | | | Green careers hold great promise to be able to do this |
| America plan will further support growth in | | | | for many years to come. |