With the economy in its current state we are constantly hearing about job cuts. From GM to Yahoo to Ebay, it seems every industry is affected by the downturn. But an article in today’s Boston Globe reasons that there is hope for the future. And this hope comes in the form of green jobs.

Using California as an example, David Roland-Holst, author of the University of California at Berkeley’s study, explained that the state’s new mandates to curb greenhouse gases and further efficiency measures will increase jobs. In fact, the increase is estimated at 400,000 additional jobs, $48 billion in household income, and $76 billion in the state’s domestic product by 2020.

“If the country can follow California's example, it will have a dramatic effect on our future emissions and energy independence,” Roland-Holst said.

Several attempts have been made to project how many green jobs can be generated in the upcoming years. The US Conference of Mayors estimates that by shifting 40% of our electricity to wind, solar, biomass and other fuels 4.2 million green jobs could be created by 2038. Other estimates vary, but range between 2.5 and 4.2 million.

It sounds promising to me. But what do you think? Are green jobs our only hope?

Photo by greenjobsnow