Germany Creates Green Jobs

Solar Panels on red roofs evidence Germany creates green jobs

As the world struggles to emerge from a global recession, there is a bright spot in Europe:  Germany creates green jobs at an impressive pace.  In fact, word is that the green sector in Germany will be larger than its automobile industry by 2020.

Obviously, renewable energy investment is good on a number of levels: (1) employing people in well-paying green jobs; (2) reducing greenhouse gas emissions to curb global climate change; and (3) saving consumers money on their electric bill.  Schools in Heidelburg have even received additional government funds based on money saved from implementing energy saving measures.

As Germany creates green jobs, the following has occurred:

• 250,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector – that a quarter of a million people pulling green-based paychecks!
• Provision of financial incentives to people who retrofitted their homes with solar panels or wind turbines
• Establishment of emission-reduction zones, and imposition of fines on people who drive polluting vehicles in those areas
• Country-wide competitions among citizens regarding energy savings
• Installation of automated systems in office buildings to reduce energy use

With respect to solar power alone, Germany is a world-wide leader.  In a related post, I discussed the fact that residents of Freiburg (aka “Solar Valley”) with solar panels on their homes are saving 5 times as much on their utility bills as neighbors that do not use solar energy.  The country’s green economy is strong:  $240 billion is generated each year through its R&D, and exports of green technology.

Not surprisingly, the German Government is 100% on board.  Leading by example, the Reichstag Building, its Parliament Building runs exclusively on renewable energy.

Could you believe that solar power would be so successful in a northern European country?  Its time for other nations to follow Germany’s strong, green lead.

Tags: germany creates green jobs, germany solar technology, green economy, green sector