Former President Bill Clinton says so-called “green collar” jobs can cure what ails the U.S. economy.

Clinton was speaking to a group of college and university presidents in Chicago Thursday.

He says investing in green technology would create more jobs than investing in conventional energy sources.

CLINTON: I do not believe that there is another option available for the United States at this time, that would do more in less time, to generate the jobs we need.

The president says the U.S. needs to demonstrate green industry can be profitable if it wants other countries to sign on to climate change treaties.

He also urged federal lawmakers to devise a program like “cash for clunkers” that would entice people to buy electric cars.

Clinton spoke for about forty minutes at the Palmer House Hotel downtown.