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The Future of Environmental Careers in the Wake of COP28
2023-11-30
By Dr Moya Burns, Associate Professor Ecology and Environmental Science, Biodiversity Working Group Chair School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Environmental Futures and Dr Sarah Gretton, Education for Sustainable Development Academic Lead and Natural Sciences Programme Director
As the world grapples with the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss environmental careers have become more important than ever. A study conducted by the Bower Collective found that between 2016 and 2021 listings for environmental jobs in the UK increased by 91%. As COP28 brings together the world’s leaders to work towards addressing global environmental challenges we discuss how University of Leicester graduates are being equipped to play their part in shaping the environment of the future.
Many of our graduates from Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography and Geology have gone on to become ecologists or environmental scientists. Whilst these terms are often used interchangeably, an ecologist is someone who studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment, whilst an environmental scientist tends to have a greater focus on the physical components of environmental systems such as air, water and soil. Ecologists and environmental scientists work in a wide range of sectors, but a particular growth area for our graduates is in the planning sector. Any change to a landscape requires planning approval and during this process ecologists and environmental scientists are brought in to assess any potential impact, to advise how to mitigate that impact and to monitor that mitigation procedures are successful. For an ecologist this could involve surveying for bats and recommending the incorporation of bat-friendly designs in the planning and construction process. For an environmental scientist this could involve monitoring water quality along waterways and advising on how to enhance water quality using nature-based solutions such as riverine vegetation.
Ecologists and environmental scientists can be found working for local governments, charities, water companies, engineering firms or in specialist consultancies. Whilst these roles require graduate attributes common to many degrees, such as team-working, report-writing and time-management, they also require the development of specialist survey skills. The Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) skills gap project highlighted species identification skills, survey methods and data management as priority teaching areas for future graduates. These are all skills which are developed on field courses which form a vital component of teaching in the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography and Geology. In particular, the University of Leicester is one of the few universities in the UK to have its own botanic gardens and herbarium which provide unrivalled opportunities for hand-on teaching and learning. In addition, the Sustainability Team lead by Dr Sandra Lee, in collaboration with the Biodiversity Working Group and the Grounds and Gardens Team have pioneered a campus “living lab”. This is an approach in which students undertake their Honours or Masters research project on topics which address environmental concerns on campus. This enables undergraduates to get real-world experience whilst improving the sustainability of the university campus. This approach has led to students winning national Green Gown awards for enhancing insect biodiversity on campus and has provided the data for the university to achieve bronze accreditation from the Hedgehog Preservation Society as a “Hedgehog Friendly Campus”.
In recent years, there’s has also been a notable shift in the job market towards sustainability beyond the traditional “green” sectors of ecology and environmental science, with diverse industries now integrating “eco-friendly” practices into their operations. Governments, businesses, and individuals recognize the urgency of addressing climate change, ushering in a new era of environmentally conscious work. This transformation reflects a broader acknowledgment of the need for a sustainable economy, with jobs across various sectors routinely incorporating green considerations into their practices.
At the University of Leicester this has shaped our educational offering for all our students. We use the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide our practice; incorporating learning and action around the Goals into our day-to-day activities. As a result, all of undergraduate programmes offer modules which align to SDGs related to their discipline. We are also keen to include real-world activities in our curriculum. To this end, we have developed the Sustainability Enterprise Partnership module where students work in interdisciplinary groups with a local business. Students analyse sustainability data to provides the business with an overview of their current sustainability performance, (with reference to relevant local and national policy and legislation as well as industry benchmarking data) and suggestions for which sustainability initiatives to aim towards. As part of their preparation for delivering the audit students complete the Carbon Literacy Project training. Carbon literacy is a key aspect of promoting environmental awareness and fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to living and conducting business, and successful completion provides students with an externally accredited sustainability certification to enhance their employability.
The global focus on climate action, sustainability and stemming biodiversity loss puts environmental professionals at the forefront of change. The challenges and opportunities presented by COP28 underscore the urgency of cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the environmental challenges of our time. Across the University of Leicester, we are equipping our students to be at the forefront of efforts to build a resilient and sustainable future.
The University of Leicester offers a raft of programmes linked to the environment.