Abstract The use of wind energy reduces CO 2 emission and increases new employment opportunities. The positive impacts of wind energy on the mitigation of climate change as well as opportunity to diminish energy dependency are indisputable. Wind energy helps decreasing import dependency, diversifying sources of production, and contributes to a sustainable development in many countries. This article explores the importance of global wind turbine development and other relevant issues which are important. In this energy scenario, global installed wind turbines, energy potential and employment issues were discussed. Wind energy deployment creates a significant number of jobs, and does so at a time when other energy sectors are shrinking. Global wind turbine installation for recent years (2006–2008) was thoroughly discussed along with employment issues regarding wind industry in the world. The wind energy sector has grown exponentially since the end of the 1990s, especially within many countries, and this has affected the employment levels of countries involved.