Emerging Sectors - Outline
There are many emerging and already established sectors in the global environment. The section below introduces some of these.
NGOs and Charities
There are growing numbers of environmental NGOs globally. At times, they are multinational such as Greenpeace and WWF. Often, they are smaller and very focused in terms of their work programmes.
Traditionally, NGOs are defined by being separate from government organisations in terms of structure and organisation, but often they receive government funding and can also deliver government work programmes. It is often argued that NGOs are a cost-effective route to work delivery.
The NGO sector is very diverse – there are millions of NGOs worldwide, depending on their definition and registration. In many countries, NGOs are informal due to their political sensitivity and pressure from officials and government. They cover environmental, social, political and development issues amongst many others. International NGOs are smaller in number and are often separately defined because they have more formalized structures and significant budgets and staffing levels.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) have an NGO Branch which registers NGOs with the UN in terms of offering support.
Consultative status with this unit provides NGOs with access to not only ECOSOC, but also to its many subsidiary bodies. As of 2020, 4,045 NGOs enjoy consultative status with ECOSOC.
www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/civil-society/ecosoc-status.html
Resources
Human Rights Careers ‘10 human rights organizations offering entry level NGO jobs’
www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/10-human-rights-organizations-offering-entry-level-ngo-jobs
Kimberly Yu, AsianNGO ‘Top 5 Benefits of working for an NGO’
www.asianngo.org/magazine/post-magazine/article/article-detail/114/top-5-benefits-of-working-for-an-ngo
allaboutcareers.com ‘Charity, Not-for-Profit & NGO Careers’
www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/industry/charity-not-for-profit-ngo
Jade Phillips, CharityJob (2019) ‘What Does It Really Mean to Work For a Charity?’
www.charityjob.co.uk/careeradvice/what-it-means-to-work-for-a-charity
Food Sustainability & Regenerative Agriculture
The organisation Sustain noted:
‘There is no legal definition of 'sustainable food,' although some aspects, such as the terms organic or Fairtrade, are clearly defined. Our working definition for good food is that it should be produced, processed, distributed and disposed of in ways that:
Terra Genesis International defined regenerative agriculture as:
‘a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services. Regenerative Agriculture aims to capture carbon in soil and aboveground biomass, reversing current global trends of atmospheric accumulation. At the same time, it offers increased yields, resilience to climate instability, and higher health and vitality for farming and ranching communities. The system draws from decades of scientific and applied research by the global communities of organic farming, agroecology, Holistic Management, and agroforestry.’
Resources
Spoon University
www.spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/thoughts-dessert-for-dinner
Audrey Jenkins and Kate Johnson, FoodPrint (2018) ‘Get to Work! Jobs in Food Sustainability’
www.foodprint.org/blog/get-to-work-jobs-in-food-sustainability
European Commission (2016) ‘Sustainable Food’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/eussd/food.htm#:~:text=For%20food%2C%20a%20sustainable%20system,such%20as%20climate%20change%2C%20biodiversity%2C
Sustainable Food Trust
www.sustainablefoodtrust.org
Sustain
www.sustainweb.org/sustainablefood/what_is_sustainable_food
Alexandra Groome and Rachel Kastner, Regeneration International (2017) ‘How to Cultivate a Career in Regenerative Agriculture: Interview with TGI’s Ethan Soloviev’
www.regenerationinternational.org/2017/04/04/cultivate-career-regenerative-agriculture-interview
Terra Genesis International ‘Regenerative Agriculture’
www.regenerativeagriculturedefinition.com
Matt Carlson, Training.com.au (2020) ‘How to Start a Career in Regenerative Agriculture’
www.training.com.au/ed/regenerative-agriculture
Janet Ranganathan, Richard Waite, Tim Searchinger and Jessica Zionts, World Resources Institute (2020) ‘Regenerative Agriculture: Good for Soil Health, but Limited Potential to Mitigate Climate Change’
www.wri.org/blog/2020/05/regenerative-agriculture-climate-change
The Circular Economy
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation noted:
‘Looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital. It is based on three principles:
In terms of business and employment opportunities, Elsa Wenzel highlighted:
‘The circular economy is celebrated as a trillion-dollar opportunity beginning to penetrate industries around the world. There's no sector or region left untouched by the potential for reinventing systems, products and services in a fashion that ultimately creates no waste and even regenerates natural systems… Judging by the corporate momentum toward circularity, the opportunities are only going to expand. Just as jobs in solar and wind power in the emerging renewable energy landscape outpaced work in the sputtering coal industry within a mere decade, so too will a circular workforce replace outmoded roles from high-carbon, high-waste economies.’
Resources
GreenBiz
www.greenbiz.com/collections/circular-economy
Elsa Wenzel, GreenBiz (2019) ‘5 emerging jobs in the circular economy’
www.greenbiz.com/article/5-emerging-jobs-circular-economy
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/what-is-the-circular-economy
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
UN Jobs
www.unjobs.org/themes/circular-economy
European Commission ‘EU Circular Economy Action Plan’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy
Green Alliance and Wrap (2015) ‘Employment and the circular economy- Job creation in a more resource efficient Britain’
www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Employment%20and%20the%20circular%20economy%20summary.pdf
International Development
The organisation NET IMPACT noted:
‘International development professionals work to reduce or eliminate poverty in developing countries. Practitioners in this vast field target issues ranging from global health to emerging market investment opportunities, at scales ranging from village-based enterprises to country-wide financial and government infrastructures.
There are a variety of different careers that offer experience with international development. Some opportunities to consider are positions with internationally-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Peace Corps. Multilateral donor organizations, and partners in non-profit and private sectors.
With such a wide range of issues that international development focuses on, a wide array of jobs are available. Some of the job titles that a person interested in international development can pursue include advocacy, communications, consulting, fundraising, policy, and research.’
Resources
NET IMPACT ‘The Ultimate Guide for International Development’
www.netimpact.org/careers/international-development/big-picture
John Glenn College of Public Affairs ‘Career Opportunities in International Development’
www.glenn.osu.edu/career/guides-resources/career-guides/Career%20Opportunities%20in%20International%20Development.pdf
Kate Warren, Devex ‘4 steps to transition to a global development career’
www.devex.com/news/4-steps-to-transition-to-a-global-development-career-89871
Environmental Education
The NAAEE noted:
‘Environmental education (EE) is a process that helps individuals, communities, and organizations learn more about the environment, and develop skills and understanding about how to address global challenges. It has the power to transform lives and society. It informs and inspires. It influences attitudes. It motivates action. EE is a key tool in expanding the constituency for the environmental movement and creating healthier and more civically-engaged communities.’
This is a rapidly growing sector globally. There are many jobs boards and agents covering the sector and this is a very popular career choice.
Resources
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
www.fee.global
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
www.naaee.org
Facebook Group - Resources for Environmental Education
www.facebook.com/groups/8548813173/permalink/10157575836408174
UK National Association for Environmental Education
www.naee.org.uk
Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd)
www.se-ed.co.uk/edu
Forestry and Arboriculture
The National Land Based College offered a helpful definition:
‘Forestry and arboriculture are all about trees but offer varied careers. Forestry is the science and practice of planting, managing and harvesting forests for wood and timber, both on a small and large scale. Arboriculture is the cultivation and management of individual trees in a wide range of different environments. There is some overlap in the skills required, but as a forester you would be producing timber on a larger scale and as an arborist you would be looking at maintaining trees in towns, cities, parks, and private gardens.’
The UNECE and FAO highlighted the role of Forestry in green jobs creation:
‘Forest experts agree that management of forest ecosystem services is a great way to create green jobs in the forest sector. Until recently, forest jobs were mostly associated with traditional activities related to silviculture (the growing and cultivation of trees) and timber harvesting. Today, the potential for the creation of new job opportunities is enhancing all forest ecosystem functions.’
Tomaselli noted:
‘For some South American countries…Forest plantations are a competitive business in the region, and their expansion can immediately increase employment. The cost involved in a plantation establishment programme will most probably be equivalent to that of any social programme that would be put in place to support unemployed workers. The difference is that while mitigating the social effects of the crisis, the programme would also be creating value.
Several countries in South America, including Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, have already demonstrated the effectiveness of including support for the establishment of large plantations in the national development strategy. These countries are currently the main receivers of direct investments in the forest sector in the region. As a result, in these countries the forest sector is an important contributor to national socio-economic development.’
Key job titles in the sector include forest manager, woodland consultant, forester, silviculture specialist and forest operations supervisor.
Resources
UNECE and FAO (2018) ‘Green Jobs in the Forest Sector’
www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/timber/publications/DP71_WEB.pdf
www.unece.org/forests/areas-of-work/policy-dialogue-and-advice/green-jobs.html
I. Tomaselli (2009) FAO ‘How forest plantations can contribute to economic renewal in South America’
www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1025e/i1025e06.htm
National Land Based College ‘Careers in Forestry & Arboriculture’
www.nlbc.uk/careers/land-based-careers/forestry-arboriculture-careers/?sector=fa#:~:text=Occupations%3A%20Harvesting%20forester%2C%20lumberjack%2C,manager%2C%20silviculturist%2C%20forest%20farmer.
Forestry USA ‘Forestry Jobs in America’
www.forestryusa.com/jobs.html
US Forest Service
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs
UN Jobs Forest Management
www.unjobs.org/themes/forest-management
Cyber-Sierra ‘Natural Resources Job Search’
www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/forest.html
www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/forest2.html
There are many emerging and already established sectors in the global environment. The section below introduces some of these.
NGOs and Charities
There are growing numbers of environmental NGOs globally. At times, they are multinational such as Greenpeace and WWF. Often, they are smaller and very focused in terms of their work programmes.
Traditionally, NGOs are defined by being separate from government organisations in terms of structure and organisation, but often they receive government funding and can also deliver government work programmes. It is often argued that NGOs are a cost-effective route to work delivery.
The NGO sector is very diverse – there are millions of NGOs worldwide, depending on their definition and registration. In many countries, NGOs are informal due to their political sensitivity and pressure from officials and government. They cover environmental, social, political and development issues amongst many others. International NGOs are smaller in number and are often separately defined because they have more formalized structures and significant budgets and staffing levels.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) have an NGO Branch which registers NGOs with the UN in terms of offering support.
Consultative status with this unit provides NGOs with access to not only ECOSOC, but also to its many subsidiary bodies. As of 2020, 4,045 NGOs enjoy consultative status with ECOSOC.
www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/civil-society/ecosoc-status.html
Resources
Human Rights Careers ‘10 human rights organizations offering entry level NGO jobs’
www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/10-human-rights-organizations-offering-entry-level-ngo-jobs
Kimberly Yu, AsianNGO ‘Top 5 Benefits of working for an NGO’
www.asianngo.org/magazine/post-magazine/article/article-detail/114/top-5-benefits-of-working-for-an-ngo
allaboutcareers.com ‘Charity, Not-for-Profit & NGO Careers’
www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/industry/charity-not-for-profit-ngo
Jade Phillips, CharityJob (2019) ‘What Does It Really Mean to Work For a Charity?’
www.charityjob.co.uk/careeradvice/what-it-means-to-work-for-a-charity
Food Sustainability & Regenerative Agriculture
The organisation Sustain noted:
‘There is no legal definition of 'sustainable food,' although some aspects, such as the terms organic or Fairtrade, are clearly defined. Our working definition for good food is that it should be produced, processed, distributed and disposed of in ways that:
- Contribute to thriving local economies and sustainable livelihoods - both in the UK and, in the case of imported products, in producer countries;
- Protect the diversity of both plants and animals and the welfare of farmed and wild species,
- Avoid damaging or wasting natural resources or contributing to climate change;
- Provide social benefits, such as good quality food, safe and healthy products, and educational opportunities.’
Terra Genesis International defined regenerative agriculture as:
‘a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services. Regenerative Agriculture aims to capture carbon in soil and aboveground biomass, reversing current global trends of atmospheric accumulation. At the same time, it offers increased yields, resilience to climate instability, and higher health and vitality for farming and ranching communities. The system draws from decades of scientific and applied research by the global communities of organic farming, agroecology, Holistic Management, and agroforestry.’
Resources
Spoon University
www.spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/thoughts-dessert-for-dinner
Audrey Jenkins and Kate Johnson, FoodPrint (2018) ‘Get to Work! Jobs in Food Sustainability’
www.foodprint.org/blog/get-to-work-jobs-in-food-sustainability
European Commission (2016) ‘Sustainable Food’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/eussd/food.htm#:~:text=For%20food%2C%20a%20sustainable%20system,such%20as%20climate%20change%2C%20biodiversity%2C
Sustainable Food Trust
www.sustainablefoodtrust.org
Sustain
www.sustainweb.org/sustainablefood/what_is_sustainable_food
Alexandra Groome and Rachel Kastner, Regeneration International (2017) ‘How to Cultivate a Career in Regenerative Agriculture: Interview with TGI’s Ethan Soloviev’
www.regenerationinternational.org/2017/04/04/cultivate-career-regenerative-agriculture-interview
Terra Genesis International ‘Regenerative Agriculture’
www.regenerativeagriculturedefinition.com
Matt Carlson, Training.com.au (2020) ‘How to Start a Career in Regenerative Agriculture’
www.training.com.au/ed/regenerative-agriculture
Janet Ranganathan, Richard Waite, Tim Searchinger and Jessica Zionts, World Resources Institute (2020) ‘Regenerative Agriculture: Good for Soil Health, but Limited Potential to Mitigate Climate Change’
www.wri.org/blog/2020/05/regenerative-agriculture-climate-change
The Circular Economy
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation noted:
‘Looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources, and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital. It is based on three principles:
- Design out waste and pollution
- Keep products and materials in use
- Regenerate natural systems’
In terms of business and employment opportunities, Elsa Wenzel highlighted:
‘The circular economy is celebrated as a trillion-dollar opportunity beginning to penetrate industries around the world. There's no sector or region left untouched by the potential for reinventing systems, products and services in a fashion that ultimately creates no waste and even regenerates natural systems… Judging by the corporate momentum toward circularity, the opportunities are only going to expand. Just as jobs in solar and wind power in the emerging renewable energy landscape outpaced work in the sputtering coal industry within a mere decade, so too will a circular workforce replace outmoded roles from high-carbon, high-waste economies.’
Resources
GreenBiz
www.greenbiz.com/collections/circular-economy
Elsa Wenzel, GreenBiz (2019) ‘5 emerging jobs in the circular economy’
www.greenbiz.com/article/5-emerging-jobs-circular-economy
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/what-is-the-circular-economy
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
UN Jobs
www.unjobs.org/themes/circular-economy
European Commission ‘EU Circular Economy Action Plan’
www.ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy
Green Alliance and Wrap (2015) ‘Employment and the circular economy- Job creation in a more resource efficient Britain’
www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Employment%20and%20the%20circular%20economy%20summary.pdf
International Development
The organisation NET IMPACT noted:
‘International development professionals work to reduce or eliminate poverty in developing countries. Practitioners in this vast field target issues ranging from global health to emerging market investment opportunities, at scales ranging from village-based enterprises to country-wide financial and government infrastructures.
There are a variety of different careers that offer experience with international development. Some opportunities to consider are positions with internationally-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Peace Corps. Multilateral donor organizations, and partners in non-profit and private sectors.
With such a wide range of issues that international development focuses on, a wide array of jobs are available. Some of the job titles that a person interested in international development can pursue include advocacy, communications, consulting, fundraising, policy, and research.’
Resources
NET IMPACT ‘The Ultimate Guide for International Development’
www.netimpact.org/careers/international-development/big-picture
John Glenn College of Public Affairs ‘Career Opportunities in International Development’
www.glenn.osu.edu/career/guides-resources/career-guides/Career%20Opportunities%20in%20International%20Development.pdf
Kate Warren, Devex ‘4 steps to transition to a global development career’
www.devex.com/news/4-steps-to-transition-to-a-global-development-career-89871
Environmental Education
The NAAEE noted:
‘Environmental education (EE) is a process that helps individuals, communities, and organizations learn more about the environment, and develop skills and understanding about how to address global challenges. It has the power to transform lives and society. It informs and inspires. It influences attitudes. It motivates action. EE is a key tool in expanding the constituency for the environmental movement and creating healthier and more civically-engaged communities.’
This is a rapidly growing sector globally. There are many jobs boards and agents covering the sector and this is a very popular career choice.
Resources
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
www.fee.global
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
www.naaee.org
Facebook Group - Resources for Environmental Education
www.facebook.com/groups/8548813173/permalink/10157575836408174
UK National Association for Environmental Education
www.naee.org.uk
Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd)
www.se-ed.co.uk/edu
Forestry and Arboriculture
The National Land Based College offered a helpful definition:
‘Forestry and arboriculture are all about trees but offer varied careers. Forestry is the science and practice of planting, managing and harvesting forests for wood and timber, both on a small and large scale. Arboriculture is the cultivation and management of individual trees in a wide range of different environments. There is some overlap in the skills required, but as a forester you would be producing timber on a larger scale and as an arborist you would be looking at maintaining trees in towns, cities, parks, and private gardens.’
The UNECE and FAO highlighted the role of Forestry in green jobs creation:
‘Forest experts agree that management of forest ecosystem services is a great way to create green jobs in the forest sector. Until recently, forest jobs were mostly associated with traditional activities related to silviculture (the growing and cultivation of trees) and timber harvesting. Today, the potential for the creation of new job opportunities is enhancing all forest ecosystem functions.’
Tomaselli noted:
‘For some South American countries…Forest plantations are a competitive business in the region, and their expansion can immediately increase employment. The cost involved in a plantation establishment programme will most probably be equivalent to that of any social programme that would be put in place to support unemployed workers. The difference is that while mitigating the social effects of the crisis, the programme would also be creating value.
Several countries in South America, including Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, have already demonstrated the effectiveness of including support for the establishment of large plantations in the national development strategy. These countries are currently the main receivers of direct investments in the forest sector in the region. As a result, in these countries the forest sector is an important contributor to national socio-economic development.’
Key job titles in the sector include forest manager, woodland consultant, forester, silviculture specialist and forest operations supervisor.
Resources
UNECE and FAO (2018) ‘Green Jobs in the Forest Sector’
www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/timber/publications/DP71_WEB.pdf
www.unece.org/forests/areas-of-work/policy-dialogue-and-advice/green-jobs.html
I. Tomaselli (2009) FAO ‘How forest plantations can contribute to economic renewal in South America’
www.fao.org/docrep/012/i1025e/i1025e06.htm
National Land Based College ‘Careers in Forestry & Arboriculture’
www.nlbc.uk/careers/land-based-careers/forestry-arboriculture-careers/?sector=fa#:~:text=Occupations%3A%20Harvesting%20forester%2C%20lumberjack%2C,manager%2C%20silviculturist%2C%20forest%20farmer.
Forestry USA ‘Forestry Jobs in America’
www.forestryusa.com/jobs.html
US Forest Service
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs
UN Jobs Forest Management
www.unjobs.org/themes/forest-management
Cyber-Sierra ‘Natural Resources Job Search’
www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/forest.html
www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/forest2.html
