Report projects 4.2 million ‘green jobs’ in US. Green jobs “could be the fastest-growing segment of the United States economy” over the next 30 years, according to a report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Only 750,000 people currently work in “green” positions, the study said, but a sharp move toward renewable energy and efficiency will create 4.2 million jobs — 10 percent of the expected total growth — by 2038. — Yale Environment 360

The impact of the credit crunch on energy markets. The credit crunch is already having an impact on energy markets. New projects are harder to fund. Highly leveraged companies are sometimes finding it necessary to shed assets. Some players are finding themselves to be the indirect casualties of other players, like Lehman, that have already failed. Long term, we will probably see consolidation and lower production than would have been the case without the credit crunch. Of course, if there is a major recession, it is possible that we won’t need as high production. — The Oil Drum

Vice presidential candidates spar on energy and climate issues. The vice presidential debate produced several rows on climate and energy policy, with both candidates making somewhat unexpected claims on their own policy positions. Notably, however, both Joe Biden and Sarah Palin acknowledged that climate change is real and must be addressed — though they clearly didn’t agree fully on what’s causing it or what should be done. — Grist

Nuclear energy: falling out of favour? With climate change as environmental problem number one, the nuclear industry has proclaimed itself as part of the solution and is starting to enjoy a reputation as a green power provider after decades of bad press.  But as the ‘nuclear renaissance’ comes to fruition, many are starting to question whether nuclear energy is a feasible part of the solution to global warming. Several studies have queried the low-carbon credentials of the nuclear industry… While it’s understood that an operating nuclear power plant has near-zero carbon emissions, it’s the other steps involved in the provision of nuclear energy that can increase its carbon footprint. — Climate Feedback