Career Development

In this third article in the series on Planetary Restoration Workforces, we explore the essential roles dedicated to restoring and preserving our environment. As cities worldwide expand, the need for sustainable infrastructure and green spaces becomes increasingly vital. Enter the Urban Ecologist, a professional who blends urban planning with ecological principles to ensure that growing cities remain healthy, vibrant, and in harmony with the environment. Urban ecology studies ecosystems in urban areas, focusing on the relationship between living organisms and their built environment. “A city is not the problem. It’s the solution.” ~ Jaime Lerner In the 20th Century, activist Jane Jacobs advocated for inclusive city planning in New York City, where all residents are involved in shaping the urban environment to ensure sustainability​. She spent her life collaborating with the neighborhoods and communities to develop a center for design review for the city's real estate developers. In 2005, urban ecologists founded The Center for the Living City to build on Ms. Jacobs' work. The Center aims to expand the understanding of contemporary urban life and inspire civic engagement and creative responses for advancing social, economic, and environmental justice. When I first read the story about the former mayor of…...

Article #2 on the Planetary Restoration WorkforcePollution Control Engineers - Serving A Vital Role in Environmental Protection In this series on Planetary Restoration Workforces, we explore the essential roles dedicated to restoring and preserving our environment. "The future is uncertain... but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity."~ Illya Prigogene Let’s continue with the heroic planetary work of Pollution Control Engineers at the forefront of this mission, developing innovative systems to manage waste and reduce pollution! Their work is critical in mitigating the environmental impact of industrial activities, ensuring a sustainable future for both people and the planet. The engineers’ innovative roles in tackling ever-evolving environmental challenges is best expressed by one of my all-time favorite books by Illya Prigogine and Isabelle Stenger, two chemists who described to me, a sociologist, how science can directly contribute to solving pressing global issues, such as climate change, water scarcity, and air pollution. Prigogine and Stenger’s book, Order Out of Chaos: Man's New Dialogue with Nature (1984) developed the complexities of systems and how they evolve and adapt. It is not just a career in chemistry—it’s about shaping the future of the planet. Imagine designing systems that prevent harmful chemicals…...

In this installment of the Planetary Restoration Workforces series, Marine Conservationists are in the spotlight. Their work is critical to protecting the oceans and restoring marine ecosystems, which are vital to maintaining global biodiversity and climate stability. Introduction (Why It Matters): The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are crucial for regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources for billions of people. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Marine Biologists are at the forefront of efforts to understand, protect, and restore these critical environments. By studying marine life and ecosystems, Marine Biologists contribute to global sustainability and planetary restoration by working to preserve biodiversity, manage fisheries sustainably, and mitigate the impacts of human activities on ocean health. As the world increasingly looks to the oceans for food, energy, and climate solutions, the role of Marine Biologists becomes ever more critical. Career Overview (What They Do): Marine Biologists study life in the oceans, from microscopic organisms like plankton to large mammals such as whales. They research marine ecosystems to understand how they function and how human activities affect them. This work can involve laboratory research, field studies, and…...

"The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life." ~ Carl Sagan One of the most memorable days of my life was the first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, at Evanston Township High School in Illinois, where I was a 10th grader. In that momentous decade, we witnessed something extraordinary—the first real glimpse of Earth from space. Carl Sagan's poetic words describing Earth as a "Pale Blue Dot" reverberated in our minds, reinforcing the idea that this fragile planet, our home, was both unique and in peril. We, as teens, understood that our planet was in trouble and embraced the call from scientists to reduce our environmental impact. Today, more than 50 years since the first alarms were heard, the urgency to protect our planet has only intensified. The impacts of climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction are impossible to ignore. This is no longer just a scientific or political issue—it’s a challenge that demands a workforce dedicated to planetary restoration. That’s why I’m introducing you to the 15 essential careers that are at the forefront of this mission. Whether you're considering a career change or know someone passionate about protecting our environment, these roles offer…...