According to a press release from the UN Environment Program, a new, landmark study on the impact of an emerging global “green economy” on the world of work says alternative energy and environmental services should create more than 20 million jobs around the world by 2030.

Some 2.3 million people around the world already work in alternative energy jobs with half of them in bio fuels, said the report.

Although the majority of new jobs are likely to be in biofuels-related agriculture and industry, the manufacturing, installing, and maintaining of solar panels could add 6.3 million jobs and wind power might add more than 2 million jobs. Even more jobs could be created in the building, recycling, and clean-vehicle manufacturing sectors, the report said.

What connection does the UN report have to Washington DC?

Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School, opened August 2008 in Ward 5, is the first public school in the country where all three fields of architecture, construction and engineering are combined in one school. What are the chances DCPS could incorporate green building trades into the curriculum for this school?