Be a green crusader

By Ranjan K Baruah

We have been talking about climate change and protection of the planet. In recent years, the rise in temperature has been a global concern.
At this juncture, the big question ahead of us is to what action should be taken to mitigate the crisis. Globally, from 1880 to 2012, average global temperature increased by 0.85°C. To put this into perspective, for each 1 degree of temperature increase, grain yields decline by about 5 per cent.
The entire world is talking about combating climate change and taking steps for adaptation and mitigation.
We have challenges and at the same time several career options. There are options including business, energy, engineering, apart from research and activism. Some of the options are mentioned below:

Climate Change Analyst: A climate change analyst evaluates climate data, research and patterns to determine how specific climate changes will affect people, economies, ecosystems and the environment as a whole. These analysts must also have a strong background in computer and environmental sciences. These analysts may specialise in scientific research, public policy, education, etc.

Environmental Scientists: The demand for environmental scientists working in academic and research institutes, laboratories, offices and field is high. As we continue to tackle complex issues like climate change, toxic chemical cleanup and water conservation, the workforce will need an ever-growing staff of environmental scientists to lead the way.

Environmental Engineers: Environmental engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles for protection of human population from the effects of adverse environmental factors; protection of both local and global environment, from potentially deleterious effects of natural and human activities; and improvement of environmental quality. They use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.

Green/Sustainable Building Professionals: Sustainable architecture seeks to minimise the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy and development space and the ecosystem at large. Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built environment. The idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations.

Green/Sustainable Business: Sustainable business, or green business, is an enterprise that has minimal negative impact on the global or local environment, community, society or economy — a business that strives to meet the triple bottom line. Often, sustainable businesses have progressive environmental and human rights policies.
Green business has been seen as a possible mediator of economic-environmental relations, and if proliferated, would serve to diversify our economy, even if it has a negligible effect at lowering atmospheric CO2 levels.
The definition of “green jobs” is ambiguous but it is generally agreed that these jobs, the result of green business, should be linked to clean energy and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

CC Education: One of the best jobs may be joining educational institutions or research institute for climate change education. There are many NGOs and civil society organisation who conducts various awareness programmes and other programme to sensitise individuals and students on the issue of climate change. There are many national and international organisations where one may join with required qualification.

Activism: There are many organisations that work on activism and this is important to pressurise government to take climate friendly decisions. There are many international convention and treaties related to climate change and through proper activism only they can be made climate friendly and pro-people.
There are many other opportunities in this field. The most important is awareness among all. One who can gain knowledge in ways related to combating, adapting or mitigating climate change can opt for any of these new-age careers. Arunachal Pradesh and North East being bio-diversity hotspot bring more opportunity for individuals to work for the conservation of bio-diversity. Conservation of bio-diversity is nothing but steps towards combating climate change.

(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor and can be reached at [email protected] or 98640 55558 for any career related queries)