Green policies in the US intended to combat climate change could provide the country with as many as 2.5 million jobs.

This is according to a new study published by the Center for Climate Strategies, which noted that such strategies can help to drive down energy costs while also providing employment opportunities.

Created in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, the report examined environmental policies in 16 US states and predicted that the green market could push forward $134 billion in economic activity.

One of the study's authors, Dr Adam Rose of the University of Southern California, explained although it sounds surprising green policies can expand the economy, those that are well-chosen could do so.

Co-chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition Christine Todd Whitman echoed his sentiments, stating that the report indicates "advanced climate actions are essential to establishing a stable and strong economy, using clean energy sources ... as the primary drivers".

Meanwhile, a pledge by the US president, Barack Obama, to invest almost $2 billion in the solar energy sector is expected to create 5,000 employment opportunities.

Posted by Kate Griffin