Ohio Trying to Sieze Green Jobs to Jump Start its Economy

Posted on October 2, 2008 by Joe Koncelik

A report released today by the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that job growth associated with green industries could be the fastest growing job market over the next few decades.  As reported in Time Magazine:

A major shift to renewable energy and efficiency is expected to produce 4.2 million new environmentally friendly "green" jobs over the next three decades, according to a study commissioned by the nation's mayors.

By 2038, another 4.2 million green jobs are expected to be added, accounting for 10 percent of new job growth over the next 30 years, according to the report by Global Insight, Inc.

"It could be the fastest growing segment of the United States economy over the next several decades and dramatically increase its share of total employment," said the report, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press.

Ohio, with its long history of manufacturing and its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, has been slower to embrace green ideas as means of turning its economic fortunes around.   However, the drumbeat of bad economic news has more Ohio leaders looking for new opportunities to jump start Ohio's economy.  From 2000 to 2007, Ohio lost 209,000 jobs.  During that same period Cleveland lost 63,000 jobs based upon a report compiled using Department of Labor statistics. 

The single largest development was passage of legislation (S.B. 221) this summer that created a renewable portfolio standard, advanced energy portfolio standard and energy efficiency requirements. However, a review of recent local news stories and events shows the Buckeye State is beginning to focus on developing a green economy:

  • Cincinnati Wants to Lead Green Roof Movement in U.S.- The City Council on Wednesday became the first in Ohio with a plan to channel grants and loans to residents and businesses to replace tar and shingles with vegetation.
  • Columbus Summit on Sustainability and the Environment-  MORPC, the Columbus metropolitan planning organization, held a successful multi-day summit at the Columbus Convention Center.  Over 500 individuals attended that event that had a wide range of presentations relating to sustainability. 
  • Eight Major Green Projects in Northeast Ohio- They include attracting fish to the Cuyahoga River shipping channel through installation of plants along the bulkhead, deconstruction of abandoned homes to recycle the materials, local food from urban community gardens, etc.
  • Wind Turbines on Lake Erie- Cuyahoga County officials this week rolled out the first three reports from their $1 million study of a grand vision -- erecting two to 10 wind turbines in the lake off Cleveland's shore.  Constructing off-shore wind power in fresh water is seen as a possible economic driver in Northeast Ohio.
  • Ohio State University Participates in Solar Decathlon- 20 university teams will participate in the 2009 Solar Decathlon. The teams, chosen from the United States, Canada, and Europe, will each receive $100,000 from DOE to design, build, and operate energy efficient, solar-powered homes.  The Solar Decathlon is an international, biennial competition that challenges university teams to design and build energy efficient solar-powered homes.
  • Ohio Has 28 Solar Sites as Part of National Solar Tour-  Green Energy Ohio organized the tours in Ohio as part of the American Solar Energy Society.  The tours are from October 3-5.
  • Ohio Gov. Recognizes U. of Toledo Solar Power Leadership-

 

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Renewable Energy World Leader....China

Posted on August 1, 2008 by Joe Koncelik

Surprised? I was after hearing the old reports of China building a new coal plant once a week.  China has long been the favorite scapegoat for those arguing the United States shouldn't address climate change without their participation.  But it appears China may be changing direction. 

As reported in the Guardian, the Climate Group released a study that concludes China is the world's leading producer of energy from renewable sources. 

 Here are some of the fun (and surprising) facts reported in the Study:

  1. China leads the world in installed renewable capacity at 152 gigawatts
  2. Approximately 820 solar PV were produced in China in 2007, second only to Japan
  3. It is the leading world exporter of wind turbines
  4. China investments in renewable energy as a percentage of GDP are almost equal to Germany's, the world leader
  5. China's energy efficiency standards for cars is 40% higher than in the United States
  6. China is the third largest producer of ethanol

Clearly, the goal of the Climate Group was to produce a study to combat the arguments raised in the United States that support inaction on climate change without India or China.  However, one statistic highlighted in the Study deserves some additional discussion. 

In 2007, China emitted 5.1 tons of CO2 per capita compared to 19.4 tons for the United States.  While the United States per capita number justifies action, so does the potential for China to grow its emissions. 

China has 1.2 billion people compared to the United States 300 million.  China has already overtaken the US in total emissions with 1/3 of the emissions per capita because it has four times more people.  Without mandatory caps, what will China's emissions be once 1/2 their population drives cars, purchases more of latest electronics, and have more income to travel?

 

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