We’re now six days into the new decade, so how have your New Year resolutions fared? If your best intentions for 2020 are worst for wear, you’re in good company. 

 

YouGov research has found just over a quarter (27%) of those who make pledges manage to keep them all, with lack of willpower and poor self-control the top reasons for not following through. 

 

However, the good news is it’s not too late to adopt a New Year resolution that can help you, your career…and the planet.  

 

Simply choose a new role from x1jobs that’s all about sustainability, protecting the natural environment and promoting positive change. 

 

You’re in the right place, after all. As the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law, the UK has a target that requires it to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by the year 2050. 

 

The UK has already reduced emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72% and clean growth is at the heart of an Industrial Strategy. It’s hoped this could see the number of “green collar jobs” rise to two million and the value of exports from the low-carbon economy grow to £170 billion every year by 2030. 

 

Global recognition of this pioneering leadership will come later this year when the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) UN Climate Summit takes place in Glasgow.  

With almost 30,000 delegates gathering for the event, the mission is to produce a coherent international response to our planetary crisis. 

 

Are you ready to join their fight and choose a role from x1jobs that could help save Earth? 

 

One of the most eco-focused frontline roles is that of environmental scientist. This is a specialist area based on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, where you can put your analytical mind to work directly on planet and people protection. 

 

Working for organisations ranging from universities to wildlife conservation groups, your analysis of the impact of human activity on particular environments will help formulate strategies that mitigate or even entirely eliminate our negative impact. This could see you focus on areas such as traffic control, air and water pollution, waste management and recycling.  

 

With increased pressure on corporations and governments to reduce the harmful effects our activities have on the world, environmental scientists – as well as biologists and oceanographers – are in high demand. 

 

Another central plank of the UK’s climate ambitions is tree planting, with the new Government having pledged 30 million new trees a year until 2024.  

 

The CO2-busting power of trees is vital, while prudent growing and harvesting of trees for use as timber provides a sustainably sourced building material.  

 

Choose a career in forestry worker and you will be helping tackle climate change and conserve huge areas of land that often are safe havens for rare wildlife.  

 

Opportunities for promotion include becoming a full-time countryside ranger or a conservation officer. 

 

The UK is also laying strong foundations for the future by investing in the environmentally-friendly construction industry. 

 

Whether you’re a school leaver or perhaps looking to take up a new career as a construction worker, roofer, bricklayer or joiner, apprenticeships and positions with on-the-job training are common, meaning there’s a construction role on x1jobs that’s been built just for you.  

 

Also built into the job is the knowledge that your daily work will be vital in providing houses, hospitals and schools that are ultra-efficient in their energy usage and use the latest building materials and technology to ensure the least possible environmental impact. 

 

Another area where you can make a big difference is, of course, in the UK’s renewable energy sector. 

Newly qualified engineers and construction workers who are ready to transfer their skills and experience are in high demand as the sector continues to expand rapidly to meet zero-carbon energy targets. 

 

Emerging technology is constantly being pioneered on new projects, such as tide and wave, while existing wind turbines and solar farms require development and maintenance. 

 

It might seem odd in a country that gets far more than its fair share of rain throughout the year and suffers from flooding, but water conservation is vital for the future of the UK and the planet. 

 

Our current consumer habits are not only affecting the level of water available on a worldwide scale, but waste mismanagement also threatens to pollute it. This makes it vital not only to conserve water but also protect it from contamination. 

As a water engineer, with a background in civil engineering or environmental science, your mission will be to solve problems centred on the provision of clean H2O, the disposal of wastewater and sewage and the prevention of flood damage. 

 

You’ll also be responsible for establishing new equipment and systems that increase the efficiency of water treatment and management, as well as taking care of short and long-term budgets. 

 

Changing our daily habits is an important step to combat climate change and helping to save the planet.  

 

But if you’d like to find out more about embarking on a career that makes you a bona fide eco warrior, take a look at the latest roles on x1jobs.