What is The Green Economy?

We are in the midst of a crucial transformation from our current economic model that has its roots in the Industrial Revolution to one that is called a "Green Economy". We are moving from a model that has been defined by breakthrough advances and new, mechanized production and transportation methods. We are now shifting to an economy that seeks to capitalize on the connections among three sets of values: social, environmental and financial. These connections are forever changing our relationship and responsibility with the world of work.View a map of the different sectors of the Green Economy.

According to the Global Citizen Center, the Green Economy is:

• Environmentally sustainable, based on the belief that our biosphere is a closed system with finite resources and a limited capacity for self-regulation and self-renewal.
• Socially just, based on the belief that culture and human dignity are valued resources that, along with our natural resources, require responsible stewardship.
• Locally rooted, based on the belief that an authentic connection to place is an essential prerequisite to sustainability and justice.

What does this have to do with my Northland Education?

You are already ahead of the curve with your Northland education to be competitive in the green economy. In fact, you can consider it your down payment on your future marketability in this emerging economy. Your Northland education will be targeted toward helping you to gain experience; you will have access to a variety of hands-on applications from your first year through your final one at Northland.

You will be positioned to immediately contribute to your community here as well as in your future communities. You will be actively engaged in with work that matters. From your initial service experience through Orientation to successive volunteer and internship experiences, you will be developing needed work-place skills and competencies through practical applications of your Northland degree.