Oct 16, 2019 - Energy & Climate

U.S. green economy generates $1.3 trillion and sustains 9.5 million full-time jobs

Michael Sykes

Wind turbines in Texas. Photo: Paul Harris/Getty Images

The U.S. green economy generates $1.3 trillion in annual sales revenue and sustains 9.5 million full-time jobs, according to a study from University College London published on Tuesday.

Why it matters: These numbers make it possible to compare the green sector to the traditional fossil fuel related industry and determine its impact on the economy.

"[T]he 9.5 million jobs represents over 4% of the working age population ... while $1.3 trillion is a little under 7% of annual GDP," CNBC notes.

Between the lines: Measuring the green economy's impact on the U.S. has been difficult since the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Green Goods and Services survey was halted due to federal budget cuts.

Because of the cuts there has been a lack of official, comprehensive data from the federal government on green industries, per the study.

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U.S. green economy generates $1.3 trillion and sustains 9.5 million full-time jobs

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