Green-collar worker

Green-collar worker refers to an individual who is employed in the environmental sectors of the economy. Environmental green-collar workers (or green jobs) satisfy the demand for green development. Generally, they implement environmentally conscious design, policy, and technology to improve conservation and sustainability.

Definition

The term green-collar worker is derived from blue-collar worker, which refers to workers in the skilled trades. Green-collar workers are professionals who work towards improving environmental quality. They can be found in many sectors of the economy such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste reduction, pollution reduction, agriculture, and transportation.

History

The concept of the green-collar worker dates back to the 1970s when the environmental movement started to gain momentum. The term was first used in this context by Patrick Heffernan in 1976 in a report on a conference held in Berkeley, California. The term was further popularized by Van Jones in his 2008 book, The Green Collar Economy.

Green-collar sectors

Green-collar workers are found in several sectors of the economy. These include:

• Renewable energy: This sector includes jobs in industries producing energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and biofuels.
• Energy efficiency: Jobs in this sector involve improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industrial processes.
• Waste reduction and pollution reduction: These jobs involve reducing waste and pollution, including recycling and waste management.
• Sustainable agriculture: This sector includes jobs in organic farming and sustainable forestry.
• Green construction: Jobs in this sector involve constructing buildings and infrastructure that are environmentally friendly.
• Environmental conservation: This sector includes jobs in conservation and natural resource management.

Training and education

Training for green-collar jobs varies widely, from on-the-job training in construction or farming to advanced degrees in engineering or environmental science. Many green-collar jobs require specialized skills and knowledge, often related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, or environmental protection.

See also

• Blue-collar worker
• White-collar worker
• Pink-collar worker
• Environmentalism
• Sustainability

References

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