New Report Finds Shortage Of Greenhouse Gas Experts To Tackle Climate Change

(PRLEAP.COM) Washington, DC – February 4, 2009 – In light of the new U.S. administration’s commitment to reducing global warming, industry professionals see a high demand for experts to tackle climate change issues, finds a new report published jointly by the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (http://www.ghginstitute.org/) and Sequence Staffing (http://www.sequencestaffing.com).

The 2009 Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Workforce Needs Assessment Survey Report surveyed senior managers and experienced professionals who work on climate change issues for private, not-for-profit and governmental sectors across the globe. It finds that most believe there is a shortage of experts who have the skills that are necessary to address climate change, including measuring and mitigating greenhouse gases.

With a U.S. unemployment rate at 7.2 percent in December 2008 (U.S. Bureau of Statistics) and states, such as California and Texas, having more than nine percent unemployment rates, the green economy provides a positive outlook for job prospects. In fact, most (85%) respondents expect the climate change industry to grow by 25% in the next year. The growth, which will likely be supported by any national or international carbon measure programs, such as cap-and-trade, will create new opportunities.

Respondents, however, expressed a strong concern that there are not enough professionals equipped for these kinds of jobs. Specifically, 84% of respondents believe there is a shortage of qualified GHG staff and experts to undertake current needs and planned initiatives; 87% think this will be a problem in the future.

"These findings are in line with the demands and rapid growth in the field of climate change and the global greenhouse gas market," Sequence vice president Frank DeSafey said. "The need for expertly trained, skilled and personnel in this field is absolutely critical today if the international community is to successfully meet the challenges and reap the opportunities."

According to the survey, 98% of respondents believe that measuring and accounting of GHG gas emissions are critical or very critical to the success of any efforts to address climate change. And, the lack of professionals in this field will hinder the success of any new mitigation programs.

The ability to train professionals depends on the availability of appropriate educational programs. Approximately 82% of respondents indicate that educational institutions are not providing students the necessary background and skills to work on climate change.

"In a field that is technical and open to accounting mistakes, it is crucial that there are trained professionals capable of supporting a cap-and-trade program or carbon tax system," Michael Gillenwater, dean of the GHG Management Institute, says. "Our survey indicates that experts believe there is a serious risk of carbon markets and policies being discredited in the future by scandals like we saw with Enron and in the mortgage markets. To avoid this, we will need professionals with the skills and ethics to account, audit, and manage GHG emissions."

The Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Workforce Needs Assessment Survey Report can be viewed online and/or downloaded for free at http://www.ghginstitute.org/survey.htm.

Note: Michael Gillenwater is speaking at the Good Jobs, Green Jobs 2009 Conference in Washington, D.C., February 5, from 11:20-11:40 a.m. During his session, "What Gets Measured Gets Done," he will share more findings from the report and other insight. More information: http://www.greenjobsconference.org.

About the Research
The survey was conducted from August through October 2008. The results are based on responses from more than 700 key international industry professionals, scientists, and organizational leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors. Representing every continent and nearly every major nation, 20% of the respondents are organizational leaders and approximately 40% are senior level managers.

About Greenhouse Gas Management Institute
The Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization, trains, certifies, and networks a global community of experts that account, audit and manage GHG emissions based on world-class training and professional standards. The Institute is for individuals and organizations, from beginners to certified professionals, working on all aspects of climate change. The Institute works with ClimateCHECK, the World Resources Institute, the World Bank, the UNFCCC, the Carbon Disclosure Project, Point Carbon, and other leading experts on training and programs utilizing innovative internet tools to ensure that market mechanisms and policy responses to climate change are effective and credible. More information: www.ghginstitute.org.

About Sequence Staffing
Sequence Staffing, a premier executive search and staffing firm for the environmental, energy, engineering, construction and light industrial industries, is dedicated to supporting the core organizations responsible for building and maintaining the world’s infrastructure, natural resources and environment. Specifically focusing a large portion of expertise on the greenhouse gas and climate change industry for public, private and municipal sectors, Sequence is on the cutting edge of industry trends, technical knowledge and personnel needs within this emerging and growing sector. More information: www.sequencestaffing.com.

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