In addition to the effects on the environment, the quality of life and the air we breathe, climate change creates new conditions in a number of sectors, such as work.

New professions – or even old ones with a new role – have now come to the fore. These are the so-called new “green professions”, for which the demand has already started to increase.

The director of the Counseling Science and Professional Careers Laboratory of the Faculty of Philosophy of the EKPA, Katerina Argyropoulou, tells APE-MPE that “green professions” are the new trend but that even the most traditional professions can become more “green”.

But what are these new professions?

This is a range of professions that have emerged due to climate change, such as:

– environmental engineers,
– geologists,
– hydrologists or specialists in the study of the atmosphere,
– designers of “smart” houses or even “smart” cities,
– hydroponic/organic farmers,
– fabric and color specialists,
– antipollution system installation technicians,
– operators of material recycling facilities/maintenance of photovoltaic and solar systems.

Ms. Argyropoulou adds that there are also “new paths” of older professions, “such as lawyers for ecological protection issues, artists with non-toxic materials, climate protection ambassadors, scientists specialized in Artificial Intelligence, experts in environmental development, sustainable entrepreneurship consultants, creation occupations that move away from overconsumption that contribute to a healthier planet.”

This does not necessarily mean that other more “classic” professions are going to disappear, as long as they adapt to the new reality that has taken shape.

“There are ways for each professional to act in a more environmentally friendly way, either by recycling the materials they use or by choosing materials that are less burdensome on the environment”, emphasizes Ms. Argyropoulou while referring to the redistribution of both economic and natural wealth. as will result from the new professional choices, as well as in a new prioritization of needs.

“Think about the issue of energy or the issue of overconsumption. If the way we live changes, our priorities will definitely change, which will affect all professions and the economy in general. Over the years, of course, and after establishing a healthier, environmentally friendly mentality – e.g. if we get to the point where we stop running on gas – some professions are likely to fade into obscurity, as happens with any major socio-economic change.”

From where… they get a degree

The good news is that in Greece there are already educational institutions that grant degrees in the fields mentioned above.

“At the moment in the 2nd field computerized report there are two departments of Environmental Engineering in Thessaloniki and Xanthi as well as Departments of Environment in Larissa, Mytilini and Zakynthos to which one can access both from the 2nd and from the 3rd and 4th scientific field. In fact, these are departments with a very low base, which is explained, in part, by the fact that they are outside of Athens but, mainly, because, unfortunately, still in Greece we have not fully realized the importance of these professions for our future.

In fact, a recent survey shows that only 1% of domestic professionals work in this field, which is the lowest percentage in Europe. Of course, there are other departments related to anti-pollution technologies and environmental protection, such as, for example, the departments of Geology and Geoenvironment, Oceanography and Marine Life Sciences, Mineral Resources Engineering, Agriculture, Materials Science, Physics and Chemical Engineering, with the appropriate specializations. However, a Mathematician, Chemist, Civil Engineer, Architect or IT can, well, with the appropriate master’s degree, join this very interesting and, crucially important, professional field that concerns the well-being of the global community”, notes Ms. Argyropoulou.

In conclusion, he emphasizes that young people, regardless of the professional path they choose to follow, need to redefine their values ​​with environmental sensitivity, aiming at quality of life, developing “green” and “ecological” skills (environmental awareness, promotion of sustainable development, green technology) who cultivate a new “green” role, learn about modern professions and try to find their aspects related to sustainability, look for information on climate change and act sensitively in the face of challenges.