During this work, it became apparent that many of the current assumptions about future green jobs are based on an optimistic outcome, a Win‐Win scenario. But the possibility that these targets are not met should be taken into account.
As diverse as green jobs may be, a number of common challenges were highlighted:
Decentralised work processes: as workplaces are getting more dispersed and more difficult to reach, monitoring and enforcement of good OSH [occupational safety and health] conditions and safe working practices is likely to become more challenging
A growing use of subcontracted work, as well as an increase in self‐employment, micro and small enterprises: such structures may have less awareness of OSH and a less‐developed culture of OSH, as well as fewer resources available for OSH and less access to OSH services
New skills and the need for adequate worker training: there are many new green technologies and working processes where specific knowledge is needed but has not yet been fully developed; there are also (new combinations of) ‘old’ risks but found in new situations equally requiring new (combinations of) specific skills; the job opportunities in green jobs may attract new entrants extending beyond their original skills areas and unaware of these new challenges
Skill shortages and polarisation of the workforce, with low‐skilled workers pushed to accept poorer working conditions and more difficult jobs
Increased automation, which may improve OSH but also bring human‐machine interface issues as well as issues of over‐reliance on the technology
Conflicts between green objectives and OSH, with the risk of OSH being overlooked
Novel, difficult‐to‐characterise and potentially hazardous materials that will need to be closely monitored over their entire life cycle for potential (unknown, long‐latency) health hazards: this will be increasingly challenging as no one stays in the same job for life, making it difficult to link health effects to occupational exposure.
Some areas of work within the green sector have high levels of stress and confrontation. These including International Development work and Political Lobbying. In addition, there is considerable pressure in committing yourself to a career that aims to make a difference in the world and the potential stress when you review whether you have achieved as much as you wanted.
Conclusion
A green career can be a life‐defining experience, and working in an environmental job can be hugely rewarding – often you can be directly improving your local environment to the benefit of current and future generations.
However, you need to have a reality check before deciding that a green career is your aim. Issues of intense competition for work experience, let alone for low paid jobs, and the challenge that in some roles you may feel that you are not making ‘enough’ change to the world may weigh on you.
1.12 Social Media and Online – Popular Resources
There are many ‘catch all’ and more focused sites and resources that cover more than one sector. In recent years, the growth of online content websites like YouTube and social media platforms including Facebook have enriched the information available to job seekers.
Developing websites is not cheap and content is relatively inflexible, whereas on social media platforms you can form groups and add content easily. Consequently, many areas that are under‐represented on websites are well covered on other social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube – issues such as local green work, events, global case studies, small projects and very focused topics. Another highlight is that you can more easily engage with other green professionals using social media.
There is also a significant growth of events, mentoring, interviewing, virtual networking and interaction using low‐cost videoconferencing platforms and social media. This helps to make communications more efficient and global.
There is a growing number of jobs websites and specialised recruitment agencies that focus on green careers.
Some of these resources are listed below, but please note that this is a very small selection of the content which may be helpful in your career development.
Box 1.4 Multi‐Sector Resources and Specialised Jobs Sites
Facebook Groups and Pages
All International Environmental Sciences Jobs and News
www.facebook.com/groups/1513496342234562
Environmental Career Experts
www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalCareerExperts
Environmental Career Opportunities
Environmental Education Career Network
www.facebook.com/groups/1625744117557119
Environmentalists in Pakistan!
www.facebook.com/groups/environmentalists.pak
Environmental Job Board & Forum
www.facebook.com/groups/envjob
Environmental Job Opportunites SEA: Internships/Volunteers/Learning
www.facebook.com/groups/130704717461155
Environmental Jobs
www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalJobsUK
www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalJobs
Environmental Jobs Network
www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalJN
Environmental Jobs and Free Career Resources
www.facebook.com/groups/1297214433774855
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