What do you want to be when you grow up in a world in crisis? As climate news grows more and more negative, the age-old question of what you want to do becomes ever more difficult. But from hardship comes hope. There are growing responses to the climate crisis, and increasing opportunities to find meaningful jobs that help our planet. You can find careers in many different fields that use many different skills. You will most definitely find at least one that perfectly matches your skills and interests.

As the climate crisis is a scientific issue, it is no surprise that there are many job opportunities in the sciences. Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists are known for working on weather forecasts, but these professionals often specialize in climate-related issues. They might focus on how the climate is changing, as well as how the crisis is impacting the Earth. Conservation scientists look at parks, forests, wetlands, and more to protect natural resources. They help protect valuable resources from the effects of the climate crisis. There are also agricultural and food scientists who focus on farming and food supplies. They help to find better ways to grow and preserve food. This is especially important as many corporations have harmful methods of preparing products, and the climate crisis will make it harder to grow food.

There are many career and job options outside of the sciences. Environmental engineers research ways that we can fix the problems caused by the climate crisis, as well as how we can prevent more issues from happening. Civil engineers design and build many different structures for the government and private sectors, such as tunnels, bridges, airports, and more. There is growing demand for these engineers to work on renewable energy projects. There are sustainable architects who work hard to create buildings that use resources efficiently and have less negative impact on the environment, such as by using water and energy in better ways.

Even if you are not in a highly specialized field like science or engineering, there are plenty of opportunities to have a positive impact. Legislators and politicians work to create laws, and the more progressive and environmentally-friendly ones are fighting to ensure money goes to good causes and not in the hands of harmful corporations. Individuals in public relations work in the media and communications industry. They can help push the government and public to support environmental causes. Activists like Greta Thunberg are having a huge impact even at a young age. Artists, filmmakers, and writers can use their creativity and self-expression to inform the public of the horrors of the climate crisis and inspire people to take action.

It is so hard trying to figure out what you want to do when you grow up. It is even harder when you are growing up in a worsening climate crisis. That fear and anxiety must be channeled into positive action. There are many options across so many industries for you to choose from. You do not have to be a scientists or engineer. Start looking into fields that interest you and volunteering opportunities related to the environment. Young people are becoming more and more proactive and ready to take on this challenge. Focus on your strengths and you too can make a huge difference.

Sources:

Andrews, Eve. “Should climate change be my new career calling?” Grist. https://grist.org/article/should-climate-change-be-my-new-career-calling/

Brown, Sady. “Top Careers that Deal with Climate Change.” NoGRE.com. https://nogre.com/top-careers-that-deal-with-climate-change/

Study.com. “Careers Related to Climate Change.” https://study.com/articles/careers_related_to_climate_change.html