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In today's world conditions, many opportunities are given to job seekers to participate in protecting the environment. One way to realize this opportunity is with environmentally friendly jobs or green jobs.
What are green jobs?
Green jobs are jobs that are given by a company or organization with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable world. Green jobs usually work in the "green" or conventional sectors, for example, companies operating in the field of utilizing solar energy as a source of fuel or power.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, green jobs are "work in agricultural, manufacturing, research and development (R&D), administrative, and service activities that contribute(s) substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality. Specifically, but not exclusively, this includes jobs that help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through high efficiency strategies; decarbonize the economy; and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution."
Source: Green New Deal[1]
How important are green jobs?
It is clear that green jobs are essential to protect the planet. In addition, green jobs can provide a better future for the younger generations. Because the future workers are the current younger generation, they will feel the impact of the current environmental damage.
Unfortunately, nowadays there are still many companies, organizations, governments, etc. who do not yet consider themselves "green" or affiliated with the environmental community as a guideline for their work. Then how do eco-friendly job seekers, especially the younger generations, find out which companies and sectors that support green job programs?
Here are some common role of green jobs :
1. What is the role of environmental scientist and researcher?
Scientists and researchers play a very important role in safeguarding the environment. Environmental scientists and researchers use their knowledge and research findings to effectively and efficiently protect the environment, based on current global conditions and needs. They serve as advisers to environmental policy makers and provide evidence-based information for discussion with the government and environmental activists. Their research also provides a foundation for discussion on topics such as development and innovation in the field of conservation, restoration, natural resource management, and many more.
Source: Treehugger[2]
2. What is the role of engineers in protecting the environment?
Engineers have an important role to play in designing new innovative technology to keep up with the times. Green engineers are dedicated to creating environmentally-friendly systems and technologies that reduce negative impacts on the natural world, promote sustainability, and tackle environmental damages.
Source: iSustainableEarth[3]
3. What is the role of a green government?
The government is a key actor that plays an important role in setting regulations and policies within a country. Therefore, a sustainable and environmentally-friendly national strategy from the government is essential in reducing environmental damage. With an environmentally-friendly government, public awareness and behavior towards environmental protection will increase through the implementation of applicable laws.
Source: Lampost.co[4]
Read also: #PROJECTPLANETTALKS: Omnibus Law: Is It Threatening Our Environment? With Syarifah Reihana
4. What is the role of green NGOs for the environment?
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a very significant role in providing independent perspectives on environmental issues and promoting behavioral change in society. Being free from financial ties with the government, NGOs are well-positioned to play an accountability role in the fight against environmental damage. NGOs cover various types of environmental protection areas including water, waste, forest, animal protection, oil, gas and more. By offering unique expertise and approaches, NGOs can provide a diverse and complementary perspective to the government in tackling environmental challenges.
5. What is the role of green entrepreneurs?
Green entrepreneurs are at the forefront of turning environmental challenges into business opportunities that can help eliminate environmental problems. Their innovative thinking greatly contributes to the growth of the green economy. Many green entrepreneurs are currently operating on a large scale, with some businesses transforming waste into creative goods that have high selling value. The urgent need for economic improvement must go hand in hand with reducing environmental problems. By embracing sustainable practices, green entrepreneurs are not only helping the environment but also creating a thriving and sustainable business model. This type of business approach is becoming increasingly important in today's world, where there is a growing demand for environmentally conscious products and services.
Source: Mongabay[5]
Like other usual jobs, green jobs can be found across various fields and sectors, including business, government, education, small business, entrepreneurship, etc. The range of opportunities for environmentally-friendly work is vast and diverse.
The problem of sustainability is complex and always changing. As the definition of “green” continues to evolve and change, uncertainty surrounding the development of green jobs persist. This highlights the importance of the younger generation’s role in spearheading the trend towards green jobs for a more sustainable future.
Do you want to know more about which other employment sectors support “green jobs”?
Stay tuned.
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