Green Technology: Careers for a viable future

10 October 2012| last updated at 02:36PM

Electricians

An electrician works with the wiring, fixing, maintainance of electrical circuits, and devices. A highly skilled electrician also does the designing and aids in the development of electrically powered devices.

A green technology electrician should be open to the idea that he will be dealing with equipment and devices that are not limited to electricity as a power supply. The electrician’s skills will be needed in the building of green buildings, ensuring that energy systems are cost- and energy-saving.

A green technology electrician will also provide energy management advice to contractors and customers and also conduct energy audits. It will be necessary that they have the knowledge of not only conventional electrical fittings but also of the latest energy saving equipment and appliances.

Job opportunities for green technology electricians will increase greatly as more and more people move towards greener homes, and offices.

Geologists

As our world moves towards the adaptation of green technologies, greater opportunities arise for geologists. Geology is the study of the history, formation and development of the earth.

A geologist has a deep understanding of the earth’s physical make-up and the processes that it goes through such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

There are various fields that a geologist can specialise in such as environmental geology, petroleum geology and engineering geology. The use of green technology will call for the expertise of a geologist in exploring and understanding alternative energies, their benefits and disadvantages, locating these sources and formulating ways to harness these energies.

Geologists will also play an important role in determining natural resources that are abundant and sustainable and working to utilise these in the best possible way so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Geologists have the further role of research on the impact of mass use of renewable energy on the planet, and how these outcomes could influence living in a future world.

Environmental Scientists

Environmental science is the study of our environment, our relationship and interaction with other living and non-living things; it also studies the impact of human activities on the environment, and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Environmental scientists have contributed immensely in helping us understand the detrimental effects of our activities and technologies on the environment. They have created awareness about global warming, greenhouse effects, air, water and land pollution. Their role in our society continues and in fact increases with the advent of the great green technology age.

Environmental scientists will play an important part in educating people on the concept of green technology, the need for green technology, its advantages and disadvantages and its impact on our environment. They will also help inventors and builders in evaluating the key areas that need green technology as a solution to prevent and remedy damage and pollution. Their expertise will also be needed in policymaking, administration of governments, and in education.

Science Writers

Science writers or journalists communicate, educate and build awareness about science. Science is a broad field that umbrellas fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, environmental science, geology, metrology, and medicine, among others.

A science writer acts as a communicator between scientists, environmentalists, inventors, politicians and the community. They help bring news and discoveries to the general masses, educating them about the latest discoveries, ideas, technologies and innovations through science articles published in multimedia.

Green technology and its related fields is a relatively young area that needs more exposure. Science writers who have broad knowledge and understanding of science are needed to reconstruct scientific findings, digest the wide array of news, ask questions on behalf of readers and expose frauds for what they are.

The field of green technology is already beginning to boom with discoveries and ideas, which need to be brought to the attention of the public for the sake of the people, economy, policymakers and the planet.

Agriculture Engineers

Agriculture engineering is the combination of the fields of agriculture and engineering. Agriculture engineers are involved in the technical aspect of farming that involves machinery, strategic planning of land utilisation and the like.

They participate in the research and development of agriculture-related machinery and technology. They help advise farmers on practices that could increase yield, increase the sustainability of land, and they also plan and design systems for efficient water utilisation.

The rise of green technology will create job opportunities for agriculture engineers in research and development of agriculture based machinery and equipment. Their understanding of agriculture needs and practices combined with their technical engineering knowledge would render them perfect to identify the needs and problems faced in agricultural practices and to come up with solutions that would not only increase crop yield but that are sustainable, healthy and safe for our environment and all its constituents.

Conservation BiologistS

A conservation biologist strives to protect the earth’s biodiversity, identifying animals, plants and ecosystems that are under threat and finds solutions that can mitigate the problem.

A conservation biologist needs to have a deep understanding of the intricacy of an ecosystem, the relationship between plants and animals, and their needs to survive and be sustainable.

We have caused much damage to the natural world as we move towards a more modernised and globalised world. Therefore, it is high time that we undo the damage that we have done. Green technology will help us reverse, reduce and prevent further damage.

This opens the doors for conservation biologists. Their expertise will be needed to pinpoint areas that need remedy and to further aid the green technology sector by providing solutions to these issues. They will also play a part in creating awareness of the situation of flora and fauna that are endangered and the steps that need to be taken. Conservation biologists also act as advisors to policymakers, so that the right areas can be focused and build upon.

Read more: Green Technology: Careers for a viable future - Extras - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/extras/green-technology-careers-for-a-viable-future-1.155093?cache=ynzfkhhlsup%3Fpage%3D0#ixzz2tZCA5Y9r