GREEN JOBS
The Green Economy in New Mexico
Between 1998 and 2007, green jobs grew by 50% overall in New Mexico, which is 25 times the rate of overall growth. New Mexico’s green economy is growing quickly and has created jobs in both rural and urban areas. Over the past ten years, New Mexico’s clean energy sector grew by 118%, energy efficiency by 184%, environmentally friendly production by 99%, conservation and pollution mitigation by 35%, and training and support decreased by 5%. Unemployment in New Mexico was at 6.5% compared with 9.4% nationally in July 2009.
Because the green economy is an emerging industry sector, additional detail on the number of green jobs in specific fields is needed and is being developed.
Conservation and pollution mitigation job currently represent the largest segment of New Mexico’s green economy. In fact, there are more jobs in this sector currently than in all the other green sectors combined. Although this sector is not growing at as fast a rate as the clean energy sector, for instance, the expected continuing focus on greenhouse gas emission reductions and better, greener business practices should translate into solid, sustained growth in this sector as it moves forward. This segment encompasses jobs in both the public and private sector including regulatory agencies, environmental engineers, and corporate sustainability experts. This public/private linkage reveals the vital relationship that strong, sensible, and fair environmental regulation plays in fostering New Mexico’s green economy. (From the “New Mexico’s Green Jobs Guidebook”).
What is a Green Job?
Green jobs are family-supporting, career-track jobs that directly contribute to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. In New Mexico, this means jobs in areas as diverse as:
· renewable energy
· smart/green electricity grids
· energy efficiency and green building
· biofuels
· clean technology manufacturing
· recycling
· low-carbon transportation
· air and water quality
· sustainable agriculture
It is important to include all jobs in these industries, from the specialized scientists and technicians through human resources and accounting professionals. It also includes people working on energy efficiency and other environmental goals in all industries. (From New Mexico Economic Development website "Green Jobs").
Breaking into Green: Advice from a Green Tech Recruiter
New Mexico Green Jobs overview
New Mexico Green Jobs Guidebook
New Mexico green jobs
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