In a country with many social and environmental issues, choosing a career for the environment can present interesting opportunities. As South Africa transitions to a more inclusive green economy, making a green career choice can bring benefits for our country and ensure a healthy environment.
Despite growth in the job market for the environment, and the emergence of many new and exciting career options, many of these career pathways are not well known to most South Africans.
There are sometimes also misconceptions about what working for the environment means, as it goes far beyond working as a Park Ranger in a remote nature reserve that is fenced off from people. Traditional conservation careers include the Game Ranger, Taxonomist, Freshwater Ecologist and Marine Biologist, among others.
In recent years there have been many new and interesting green jobs emerging such as the Environmental Manager, Environmental Lawyer, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Economist and Sustainability Manager.
Did you know: Your career choices can contribute to South Africa’s low-carbon future and our green economy!
Where the Green Careers are sprouting
A growing number of people are looking for ways to green their current jobs or find careers in environmentally responsible sectors of the economy. But where to start when looking for your green dream job?
Everybody knows that green careers are sprouting up in the energy, waste, and traditional environmental areas. But in truth, that’s not the half of it. Don’t neglect the following industries and sectors in your job search:
- City planning: Creating a plan for land use that balances needs of the citizens
- Distribution logistics: Moving materials and products in ways that emit less greenhouse gases
- Event planning: Organizing large events in a sustainable way
- Green chemistry: Finding less toxic ways to design products
- Green hospitality: Treating guests to a nurturing stay that’s green and sustainable
- Green information technology (IT): Running computer equipment more efficiently
- Green marketing: Persuading people to take new actions
- Green medicine: Discovering more efficient and less wasteful ways to provide medical care
- Waste-to-energy: Converting mounds of waste into a renewable energy source
Sources include: www.dummies.com
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