7 myths about green jobs

The basis for the green jobs program is simple: Carbon emissions are causing global warming, so emissions need to be reduced. A way to do this is to encourage non-carbon sources of energy, such as wind turbines and solar power. The result of government action will be many new jobs and a healthier environment. A two-for-one deal! This policy series, by two PERC senior fellows and two of their colleagues, is a summary of a larger study analyzing green jobs claims made by various special interest groups. The authors find that the claims are based on myths. Fundamental questions about what is at stake in this massive program need to be addressed before billions in additional deficit spending can be justified. The authors discuss the economic defects in the green jobs proposals and show that not only is the price tag of the programs unjustified, but that the costly implications to society could be even greater...PERC

The 7 myths are:

Myth 1: Everyone knows what a “green job” is.

Myth 2: Creating green jobs will boost productive
employment

Myth 3: Green jobs forecasts are reliable.

Myth 4: Green jobs promote employment growth.

Myth 5: The world economy can be remade
by reducing trade, relying on local
production, and lowering consumption
without decreasing our standard of living.

Myth 6: Government mandates are a substitute for
free markets.

Myth 7: Wishing for technological progress is
sufficient.

The entire report is here. (pdf)