Going Green

Global warming. Climate change. Carbon footprint. All are familiar catchphrases that speak to the negative impact that citizens and the economic sector have on the environment. The solution: everyone must go "green," and the United States must create a so-called "green economy."

But what do these terms mean and how does one go "green?"

A movement is growing, both domestically and internationally, to create green-collar jobs that would restore the quality of the environment, with the added bonus of creating both low-skill and high-skill job opportunities for "young people, women, slum dwellers and members of poor rural communities," according to a 2008 U.N. report. At the same time, citizens are taking note of their impact on the environment in their day-to-day lives (e.g. auto emissions, waste, water usage).

How will legislators and the Obama administration respond to the green-collar movement? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the millions of green-collar jobs that already exist? Should Americans go "green?" Why should Americans care?

Check out show interviews, Web-exclusive video and blog posts about the "green" movement, and join the discussion.

(Photo by Ben Fredericson.)