As climate change activism reaches a new peak and a growing number of corporations take on new sustainability goals in an effort to curb the dire effects on the environment, the green economy is experiencing profound growth.
Now, those who have already joined the industry or are looking for a way in have new insight as woman-owned media group Environment+Energy Leader has published a list of the top fastest-growing sustainability professions.
Several global leaders in sustainability and labour have already pointed out the dramatic scale at which sustainable jobs are expanding, with that trajectory expected to continue in the coming years.
This is especially the case in the United States, thanks to the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, which opens the door for billions in investment into renewable energy.
But countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have likewise joined the global race to become leaders in renewable energy. These developments hold the promise of a wealth of new jobs in emerging markets, bringing economic hope in an otherwise uneasy period of global recession fears.
The Top Fastest-Growing Green Jobs
According to Environment+Energy Leader, some of the fastest-growing sustainability jobs include:
- Wind turbine technician
- Renewable energy specialist
- Renewable energy manager
- Environmental consultant
- Sustainability coordinator
- Corporate social responsibility manager
- Climate change analyst
- Environmental law attorney
Commenting on these projections, the group noted, “As businesses and governments continue to prioritize sustainability and invest in green technologies, it is expected that the demand for professionals in these fields will continue to grow in the coming years.”
Further, it added, “Approximately 875,000 Americans already hold jobs related to sustainability, renewable energy and conservation. [...] Over the next decade, the number of green jobs in the US is expected to grow by another 114,000, or nine percent.”
Practical Advice for Aspiring Green Professionals
To this end, Environment+Energy Leader gave practical advice to those looking to join this lucrative industry in the midst of its massive boom: get a formal education, with a degree or certification, and also get hands-on experience if you can.
It also encouraged job seekers to network with professionals in the industry and be willing to consider apprenticeships that could help with forming the necessary skills to build a successful career in sustainability.
The group noted, as other experts have also pointed out, that “the demand for green jobs is outpacing the production of green talent,” showing that skills training will be a crucial part of fulfilling the thousands of job vacancies in the green economy.
Find the latest green jobs in North America and the UK via EcoCareers