Over the past few decades, scientists have studied changes in the earth’s climate and concluded that the planet is undergoing an era of warming. Considered today as the biggest environmental problem of our time, rapid climate change represents more than just a change in the earth’s average temperature. Experts also predict that this trend will continue and include more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought in certain areas, an increase in the number, duration, and intensity of tropical storms. A global drive to start implementing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions has resulted in the creation and flourishing of green jobs.
Massive investments in clean energy and green alternatives ensure that a lot of new industries will stay on top of the game for the next few decades. There is definitely nothing wrong with wanting to earn a living while you are saving the planet. The jobs on this list represent a variety of interests, skill set, and educational background. Many of them also pay very well and will suit most people’s budget. If you are interested in pursuing a more sustainability-focused career, here are some of your top choices right now.
Clean Car Engineer
Transportation is one of the hottest green jobs category right now as the auto industry is succumbing to public demand to introduce to the nation’s fleet new vehicles that are more environmentally friendly – consuming less fossil fuel and produce minimal to zero pollution. This comes after growing public awareness about how much transportation depletes natural resources. Right now, transportation burns about two thirds of the oil in the USA and produces approximate a third of the country’s greenhouse emissions.
Clean car engineers are certainly in demand in the job market right now as the industry makes the shift to clean cars. They are tasked with ensuring the great look and feel of vehicles, and as well as the safety and security of new forms of transport. They may not be responsible for ensuring quality web traffic, but they are responsible for ensuring that the traffic we encounter in the future is powered by greener solutions, from alternative fuels to electricity.
Water Quality Technicians
Given the level of daily pollution, the increasing incidence of oil spills these days, and the current poor water treatments, water quality technicians are now more crucial than ever before. These technicians and technologists are often tasked with maintaining federally mandated and safe water conditions which humans and animals are okay to consume. They perform regular inspections and sample local water sources. Water quality technicians test for microbes and chemical contaminants in recreational, potable, and waste water to determine if the water meets local or global standards.
Essentially, these professionals are responsible for making sure that companies and cities around the world adhere to the designated standards for water quality. Since water quality problems are still very much persistent, this is an increasingly important green job for almost every country in the world. Water quality technicians are working to generate creative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers advise clients on issues relating to air and water quality, hazardous waste, sustainability, and other environmental issues. They endorse better regulations and advocate for new policies that deal with clean water, clean air, global warming, land use and other environmental themes. Environmental lawyers are often responsible for making certain that companies are adhering to environmental regulations, although their primary tasks generally depend on where they work.
Environmental lawyers may work for non-profit organizations such as environmental advocacy groups, or the government. They can also choose to go into private practice, performing consulting work and representing different clients in court. As climate change becomes more and more relevant in public discourse, experts predict that this profession will continue to flourish. Learn more about what to expect from environmental professions here.
LEED-Accredited Design Professional
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the most widely used green building rating system all over the world. It is used almost all building, community and home projects, ensuring an effective framework for sustaining healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. Architects, engineers, designers and professionals involved in the construction process can take the LEED Professional Exams and earn their certification. This certification is the gold standard for environmental engineering and building and is a recognized symbol of sustainability achievement across the world.
The trendiest building designs today include vertical forest apartments and forest buildings. These tall structures come decorated with plants, that virtually cover the whole building. If you are involved in the construction industry, there is no doubt that becoming a LEED accredited professional will improve your career path. From construction and design, to operations and facility management, LEED professionals are in high demand. Becoming an LEED accredited professional (LEED AP) means that your name is included in the directory of LEED APs and provides you with more credibility to employers or clients.
Urban Grower
Urban growers represent two large sectors in the expanding green-jobs movement: food production and green building. Across the world, urban growers are regarded as most people’s first window into sustainable living. They are responsible for maintaining local gardens and green roofs which come in various sizes are often supported by local businesses, communities, non-profits, churches, even schools. These urban gardens are able to deliver locally sourced foods that are better for the environment because the growers ensure minimal use of pesticides, fossil fuels, and other resources to grow and transport food to market from larger commercial farms.
Urban growers are tasked with delivering locally sourced food and agriculture to communities to help encourage or boost their sustainability. However, urban growers and their green roofs also help enhance the urban environment through offering better building insulation and thus minimizing energy loss, managing storm water, improving air quality, and offering a great space for recreation. From aesthetically manicured roof gardens designed for recreation to local community gardens offering produce for restaurants and other food businesses around the country, the demand for green roofs and gardens are expected to continue growing.