Van Jones – Green Collar Jobs
There is a movement in sustainable industry that is building rapidly and one person is propelling it into public focus – Van Jones. Van Jones, co-founder of the Ella Baker Center, started his career in activism by fighting for citizens whom had been abused under the law due to race or gender. Over the years he has been awarded countless honors, including the Ashoka Fellowship and the Reebok Human Rights Award. He was trained at Yale Law School and is a very persuasive and dynamic speaker. I was lucky enough to see him address an overflowing crowd in Seattle this past fall. In the speech, he outlined his new focus, what he calls the ‘green economy’.
According to today’s Seattle Times, international investments in green energy technology rose 43% in 2007 to $3 billion. Congress is right now considering funding for a bill that could fund development in green energy. An economic revolution is starting, one that could match the internet boom of the late 1990’s.
Van Jones’ contention is that during this economic revolution new jobs will be created. He is laying the case for why those ‘green collar’ jobs and training should go to urban neighborhoods.
Watch these videos to learn more – I promise, you won’t be let down.
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