A common last-ditch claim by global warming skeptics (once they’ve conceded that the climate is changing and we’re to blame) is that taking action is simply too expensive. But study after study has found that the costs of inaction are astronomical, whereas investing in solutions today will help, not hurt, the economy. So it’s appropriate that, as Wall Street ends a roller-coaster week, our partner 1Sky is gearing up to release a summary of recent reports on green jobs.

Green jobs are well-paid, career-track jobs that contribute to preserving or enhancing environmental quality. These jobs are automatically created during the transition from an economy based on coal, oil, and other fossil fuels to one based on efficiency and clean renewable energy. Many are impossible to outsource - imagine shipping a building to China to be retrofitted with better insulation and energy-efficient lighting! Green jobs in the manufacturing sector have the potential to revitalize demand for skilled workers in rust-belt towns, while jobs retrofitting buildings or installing and maintaining solar panels could provide pathways out of poverty to millions in cities. Demand for low-carbon fuels and electricity will create jobs in rural areas. College graduates will start and join companies in a growing environmental services industry.

1Sky’s summary isn’t available for download yet, but the kicker should come as no surprise: investing in energy efficiency and clean, renewable technologies is our best bet for forestalling a two-fold climate and economic crisis. It will bring growth, green jobs, economic stability, and, oh yeah, a healthier environment and hospitable climate.

Here’s a preview of what’s inside the forthcoming report:

• Paul Volcker, the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve under President Reagan, says that unless we curb global warming “the economy will go down the drain in the next thirty years”

• Existing building efficiency opportunities could boost energy productivity the equivalent of 64 million barrels of oil per day - almost 150% of current total US energy consumption.

• Although transitional assistance will be necessary, there are more than enough green jobs to offset inevitable job losses in energy industries.

• Incentives for low-carbon fuels and electricity could create over 5 million new jobs in rural areas by 2030.

• Inadequate training and workforce skills is currently one of the primary obstacles to developing renewable energy and energy efficiency.

• Areas hardest-hit by recent manufacturing job losses are well-positioned to take advantage of new green jobs producing solar cells, wind turbine blades, and other components that currently need to be imported.

The full report will be available soon from www.1sky.org

-Ian