A collage of all the speakers on the videos
Education

Exploring climate change careers

26 October 2021

We know that many students want to work in an area where they can do something positive about climate change but don't know how. Last year a survey of more than 1,000 teenagers in the UK found that around a quarter of the Generation Z audience were keen to pursue a career in climate. More than three-quarters of respondents said they were re-thinking their career plans after seeing the work of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Encouraged by so many young people leading the way in taking action to keep the climate crisis on the global political and news agenda, we have produced a new series of 11 short videos: "So you want to do something about climate change…" They explore some of the many careers in climate change that they could do with qualifications in STEM subjects.

In these videos, they can hear directly from a diverse group of people working in climate, find out about their roles, why they think it's important and the paths they took to be doing the jobs that they now do.

The videos feature:

  • Ayesha Tandon, Science Journalist, Carbon Brief
  • Steve Smith, Executive Director, Net Zero Oxford
  • Sarah Clements, Principal Consultant, Element Energy
  • Lisa Dipnarine, Business Development Manager, Transport for London
  • Jade Kimpton, Apprentice Substation Engineer, National Grid
  • Dr Ella Gilbert, Climate Scientist, University of Reading
  • Cameron Hepburn, Professor of Environmental Economics, Smith School
  • Zach Lewis, Low Carbon Adviser, National Trust
  • Robert Mulvaney, Research Scientist, British Antarctic Survey
  • Joseph Harvey, Substation Engineer, National Grid
  • Frances Summers, Dorset Council, Senior Planning Policy Officer

We will also be taking part in STEM Learning’s Virtual Careers in Climate Change Fair during COP26. This large, interactive, virtual careers fair is aimed at 13–18-year-olds interested in climate change-related careers. We will be joining employers from across the UK in an online exhibition hall to talk about the career opportunities available.

The videos are available on our YouTube channel and further careers information is on our website at rmets.org/careers.