How American Green Energy created 2.5 million Jobs and saved you from Bronchitis

The Tree | – –

As renewable jobs skyrocket in the US, so do their immense health benefits. According to a recent report from Environmental Entrepreneurs, the clean energy industry currently employs more than 2.5 million Americans in sectors like energy efficiency and renewable energy. These findings come at a time where the health benefits of renewables are increasingly apparent – the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported $7.3 billion in savings for 2015 on healthcare costs, such as respiratory issues caused by polluting emissions.

h/t Wikipedia

Despite the significant benefits brought on by a burgeoning clean energy industry, there’s still plenty of progress to be made – according to conservation policy analysts, oil production on public lands increased by more than 11 per cent between 2014 and 2015. Following today’s joint announcement from the US and China that they would both sign the Paris Agreement on 22 April, all eyes will be on federal leaders to implement policies that break free from fossil fuels “as early as possible” for a safer and healthier future.

Clean energy growth creates jobs nationwide. The American solar industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the American economy, now employing more people than coal mining, while the US continues to be the world leader in the wind energy sector. As renewable energy becomes more affordable and abundant, the sector will continue to surge.

Communities that embrace renewables are reaping the benefits. In 2015, AWEA reported that US wind farms contributed to a reduction of 132 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in the electric power sector, slashing respiratory issues and saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. By adopting smart and steady energy policies, communities that are ahead of the curve are healthier, safer and more prosperous than ever.

Climate action and fossil fuel growth are mutually exclusive. Over the past few months, US President Barack Obama has worked to cement his climate legacy before leaving office. With the US and China announcing today that they would indeed move forward with the Paris Agreement, all eyes will be on the Obama administration to roll out the historic climate agreement “as early as possible” by moving away from dangerous fossil fuels for good.

Via The Tree