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Green Careers Needed to Combat Effects of Climate Change

By Carol McClelland

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 09Jan2009 Word count: 1177 Viewed: 289 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

I recently attended a presentation at my local Green Ribbon Citizens' Committee meeting about the global and local effects of global warming. As I listened, it occurred to me that some effects are getting more exposure than others, and yet all of the effects have a direct link to various green industries and green careers.

Although it's not much fun to read about the long-term impact of global warming, understanding the full effects of the changes give us a better chance of guiding our careers to contribute to solving the problems at hand.

The U.S. Climate Change Science Program has conducted a "Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United States." This study indicates that changes have already been seen due to climate change and will continue into the 21st Century. As time passes, we are likely to experience the following changes to our climate:

-- Warmer temperatures are expected, with more frequent hot spells and less frequent cold spells.

-- Although we are likely to have less precipitation, the storms we do have are likely to be more intense. Droughts are likely, especially in areas that depend on the spring snowmelt for their water.

-- Snow cover is likely to decrease just as glaciers and ice sheets are expected to lose mass. The Arctic Ocean may be free of summer ice by the end of the century.

-- The sea level is expected to rise by between 7 and 23 inches. This sea level rise is also likely to lead to an increase in storm surges that hit coastal areas.

-- Hurricanes that develop over the Atlantic Ocean are likely to have heavier rain and higher wind speeds.

Each of these changes is likely to impact various aspects of our way of life. You can use this information to begin to understand the green industries and green professions that will be called upon to resolve climate change related issues.

Consider this a primer to help you think about how and where you might fit into the green economy.

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The Natural Environment

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Our country and society depend on the natural environment for products (food, fuel, wood, and fibers) and natural services (purifying water, sequestering carbon, maintaining biological diversity, and removing waste products).

Professionals such as ecologists, biologists, and conservationists are needed to help understand the impact climate change is having on various systems within the environment. Strategies to support the well-being of various ecosystems will be critical as the impacts of climate change become more evident.

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Agriculture

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The yield from crops may be impacted by the effects of climate change. Although some crops in some regions may do better due to warmer temperatures, the overall impact may not be positive. Rethinking how food is distributed is another issue that will continue to gain attention as companies evaluate their carbon footprint.

A background in agriculture, distribution, and water management will allow you to contribute to solutions for the agricultural industry.

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Water

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Although we've grown to assume we will always have access to the water we need and want, some areas of the United States are going to have to change their water forecasting and planning to align with the new realities of climate change. Stream temperatures are likely to change ecosystems and the quality of water as it moves into water systems. Reservoirs will function differently as a result of lower snow coverage and droughts. As water becomes scarce, desalinization methods will become a priority.

Those who have training in water management, hydraulic engineering, hydrologic science, life sciences, water and land use law, and water administration will play an important role in our future.

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Population and Society

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Some regions of the United States are likely to have a harder time absorbing the effects of climate change. The areas that will feel most of the effects are the communities that are at sea level, in fire-prone areas, or areas likely to be in the path of hurricanes or tornadoes.

If you live in one of these areas you may find opportunities to help your community plan and prepare for likely changes in your area. In addition to emergency training, you may also do well to have training in human nature through psychology or sociology.

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Health

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Changes in our climate will change how animal-, water-, and food-borne diseases spread throughout communities. Heat waves and extreme storms will also impact health patterns, injuries, and deaths.

If you have a background in public health and emergency medical care, begin to educate yourself about potential changes that are likely to happen in your community. Take extra training or take a leadership role to create contingency plans for the ways climate change is likely to impact your local health care system.

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Energy

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Although much focus is placed on reducing our dependence of fossil fuels to reduce global warming, we don't hear about how changes in the climate are likely to impact our sources of energy. For instance, changes in our water supply will reduce our ability do use hydropower or use water to cool equipment and buildings. Storms may also wreak havoc on energy supply plants. We also don't know the full effect of climate change on alternative energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and biofuel.

If you plan to work in the energy industry, you'll also want to do contingency planning to understand the impact of various climate scenarios on the power source. Climatologists, engineers, and manufacturers will all play a role in planning for these changes.

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Transportation

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All of our modes of transportation will be impacted by higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme storms. For instance, railroad tracks may not perform properly in extreme heat. Flooding and landslides may make roads, ports, and rail systems unusable. Distribution channels, whether trucking, rail, or ports, may also be disrupted.

Transportation administrators, construction companies, and distribution logistics teams are just a few of the professions that will need to respond to the issues caused by climate change.

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Actions You Can Take

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Did any of the topics described above strike a chord for you? Perhaps you are already interested in the specific issue, or this description awakened you to an issue for the first time. Incorporate this information into your quest for your green niche.

If you find yourself drawn to one or two of the issues listed here, take some time to familiarize yourself with the issues. You can read the Executive Summary (http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/scientific-assessment/6-SA-FAQ-LO-RES.pdf ) of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program report. Or you can delve into the full report (http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/scientific-assessment/) (271 pages) to read the section(s) that are most relevant to you.

Remember this primer is a starting point. Immersing yourself in your industry/profession of choice will allow you to understand the multi-faceted nature of climate change issues. If you want to position yourself to enter the green economy, it's critical that you take an active role in understanding these issues in detail. As you explore the issues that interest you most you may discover additional careers beyond those we listed.

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