I am typically cynical of any idea that is labeled win/win.  Most of the problems we face can only be solved with complex and difficult action in both the public and private sectors--involving sacrifice by some politically powerful players. 

That being said, I think unemployment and climate change can be addressed jointly.  This is partially true because our political "leaders" have been completely inept at addressing either issue during our current economic crisis.  Unemployment seems stuck at its current woeful level and the data regarding CO2 emissions worsen almost daily.

My plan is to provide a sliding scale grant to property owners (homeowners, landlords, and commercial building owners) for improving the energy efficiency of their buildings.  

For example a homeowner who decreased energy usage 19% percent for an 1800 square foot home would receive a grant of $9000.  

The owners would be able to determine how they achieved the increased efficiency.  So free market forces would be encouraged to find better and less expensive ways to make buildings use less energy.  For older buildings, insulation and new windows could do the trick.  Building owners who are committed to green technology could pursue solar or geothermal options.  The bottom line is that because this is a grant program the government does not pick winners and losers.

To minimize fraud in the energy audits, community college students could be trained to perform the audits.  There could also be incentives included within the program for high school and college students to design integrated plans for reducing energy consumption in public buildings.

This plan would put people to work in both trades and engineering.  It would begin to address issues with CO2.  It would give young people a way to be both civic-minded and improve their job skills.  Even for a cynic like me, this is a plan that can be called a win/win.