Here's some good news at a time where economic and job prospects still look bleak for many: A recent study has found that clean or green tech is experiencing a major boom that is in some ways similar to that of the software or biotech industries – but with a few major differences that may make it easier for people to break into the field.
Research firm Clean Edge, which authored the report on jobs in clean technology, defines clean tech firms as "companies that in some way use or produce renewable materials and energy sources, reduce use of natural resources (or improve efficiency), and limit or stop pollution and toxic waste."
While clean technology is getting a lot of attention (and investments) from venture capitalists, much like high tech firms received in the late '90s and early 2000s, the big difference is that green tech companies are more spread out across the U.S. – unlike high-tech, which was highly concentrated in California.
The range of education required to obtain a job in green IT, and the range of jobs available in this industry, is also much wider than it was for high tech during the dotcom boom.
You can read the full report on Clean Edge's website.