Let’s Talk Science is here to help youth find a greener career pathway 

By Kendra Brown, a writer and editor at the Ontario Science Centre. She is also the author of Small but Mighty: Why Earth’s Tiny Creatures Matter and a contributing writer on the Let’s Talk Science team.

From November 6 to 18, world leaders are gathering in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). November is also Canada Career Month. So, what better time for us to talk about the growth of opportunity in green jobs? 

But First… Reality Check

It has been a year of unprecedented climate-related disasters and broken temperature records. Oceans are warming, ice and snow are diminishing, and sea levels are rising. Our planet is in trouble. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations Environment Program, clearly states the undisputed role of human influence on the climate system. Yet, it also shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate. 

Let’s ensure that future is a good one.

We can do this by helping students continue to be innovators, problem-solvers and changemakers as they move from classroom to career. Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is real—and sadly, at an all-time high among youth. But this anxiety can be eased when young people know they can make an impact through their STEM education and the career paths they choose. 

Setting Everyone Up for Success

We know that a STEM education, along with the diverse set of skills, knowledge and values that come with it, encourages students to be innovators and problem-solvers through creativity and collaboration. A STEM education empowers young people to take action and make positive change in their schools, in their communities and on a global scale. Ultimately, it sets all of us—and the future of our planet—up for success.

Greener Careers

The shift towards green careers is well underway. And this is great news for youth setting out on their career path. Green jobs already span a wide range of industries, from nature conservation and renewable energy to fashion and finance. 

Yes, you can be an accountant or a designer and make a difference! The new green economy is all about coming together to contribute to a more sustainable world. Whether it’s in the skilled trades industry as an electrician or construction superintendent or in the forestry industry as a county forester or hatchery supervisor, you can bring your skills to the green table and contribute in a meaningful way. The opportunities to make change are endless. 

Truly, we could go on about all the many industries and different job titles that fall under the category of “green job.” But we think it’s best if we direct you to our Careers and That’s a Real Job pages on our website so you can get to know real people and their real careers.