DO GREEN PROGRAMS CREATE JOBS OR DESTROY JOBS?

ABSTRACT : Green jobs are of intense interest in the USA – especially the issue of net job creation: Dogreen programs create jobs or destroy jobs?We determine that there are two issues: 1) the issue of wheninvesting a specified amount in a green jobs initiative, how many jobs are created compared to investing thesame amount in other programs; 2) the issue of whether the creation of jobs via green initiatives destroys “nongreen” jobs.Here we address thesecritical questions by analyzing the major studies conducted. We find thatthere are numerous studies finding both that green programs create jobs and that green programs destroy jobs.Nevertheless, we conclude, with caveats, that rigorous review of the existing research indicates that investmentsin environmental and green economy programs will likely have substantial net positive impacts on the economyand jobs. We caution that the net positive economic and jobs impacts, while significant for policy purposes,should not obscure the fact that the major purpose of these programs is the energy and environmental andbenefits they will create — jobs benefits are an important secondary benefit, but must be evaluated as such.

KEY WORDS: green jobs; USA green jobs; net green jobs; green jobs creation; green jobs vs. non-greenjobs