The circular economy, which encompasses the concepts of reusing, repairing and recycling, increasing sustainable manufacturing and consumption, is a reality in the daily lives of companies around the world. As well as reducing waste, it saves energy and helps prevent irreversible damage to the climate, biodiversity and air, soil and water pollution.

The transition to a decarbonized economy is not only fundamental to controlling climate change, but also to stimulating economic growth with the potential to create millions of green jobs, i.e. jobs directly aimed at protecting the environment or those aimed at minimizing the impact on the planet's health.

What are green jobs?

Green jobs are those that establish a link between the professional market, energy production and environmental issues. These are jobs that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving and preserving the environmental quality of the region in which they are based.

Those who choose to work in this field take on the responsibility of dealing with issues that profoundly affect society, such as global warming, deforestation, waste, water and energy use, solid waste, among others. An analytical profile is therefore required, as well as a good ability to understand environmental problems and society's social and economic issues.

Which green job sectors are on the rise?

The main sectors for green jobs in Brazil are recycling, transportation, agriculture and the energy sector. Brazil accounts for 10% of all green jobs in the world, ranking second among the largest employers in the biofuels, solar, hydroelectric and wind industries. The renewable energy sector, for example, added more than 11 million jobs in 2020, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

There are some professions that are on the rise and that fit in with the concept of green employment. These are

● Ecologist: a professional who studies and researches forest, aquatic and urban ecosystems, reducing the effects of human action.

● Biologist: responsible for studying the most varied forms of life that exist and for understanding human action on them. This professional works in environmental education, the adoption of sustainability techniques, pest control and the development of public health policies.

● Sustainability manager: professional responsible for all the management and planning of a company's social and environmental activities.

● Energy consultant: responsible for creating policies to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

● EHS specialist: EHS stands for environment, health and safety. Professionals in this area are responsible for planning and implementing the policies represented by the acronym in organizations, preventing accidents and ensuring that companies comply with current legislation.

● Forestry engineer: works in environmental management, forest management and measurement, and the development of forestry improvement technologies. Their aim is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, guaranteeing the supply of industry and the preservation of nature.

● Renewable energy engineer: Responsible for planning, designing, manufacturing and studying the mechanisms and equipment used in systems that utilize renewable energy sources.

● Eco-builder: supports the construction of green houses and buildings, i.e. those that use ecological materials and modern building methods.

In the energy sector, there are specific positions and functions that are required at the time of hiring.