Here's how you can future-proof your sustainability career against climate change.

I try not to use the word sustainable to often, as it gets banded about like a badge of honour, that has lost its lustre. However for want of a better word it's still in use, and quite rightly. People who work in the environment, would feel the same as I about this. Being caring custodians in the future, is very much part of our DNA, yes we need to constantly evolve, but that only comes from collaborative approaches an open mind, and trust in passing on the baton to the next generation.

Seek lifetime learning through professional organizations in the fields in which you are interested. The Environmental Law Institute is a nice place to start. The Water Environment Federation is another good example. Industry Trade associations are another place for professional development. The Chemical Manufacturers Association is a good example.

The sustainability landscape is constantly shifting, with new regulations, technologies, and best practices emerging all the time. To stay ahead of the curve and provide the most value to our stakeholders, we have to be diligent about expanding our knowledge base and keeping our skills sharp.

A particular client of mine was preparing to break ground on new construction for a medium sized facility. The contractor, without authorization, sent a wetlands delineator to the site and THEY decided that the site was wet. This seemed like a ploy to delay start and gain change orders, so we sent another contractor out there to verify our initial wetlands delineation. Far less wetland coverage at the site. As the sides were forming up for battle over this The SCOTUS decided Sackett. NONE of the wetlands would be jurisdictional under the new rule - case closed! Exciting in that I was on a call wrangling about this when my news feed showed the Sackett decision, so the problem was solved in real time. Science Policy it's a real thing!

To future-proof your sustainability career against climate change, focus on continuous learning and skill development. Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in sustainability by attending conferences, webinars, and pursuing relevant certifications. Develop expertise in areas such as renewable energy, carbon management, and climate risk assessment. Network with professionals in related fields to share knowledge and opportunities. Additionally, cultivate adaptive and problem-solving skills to navigate the evolving landscape of climate-related challenges. By remaining proactive and versatile, you can ensure your career remains relevant and impactful in the face of climate change.

Engaging with peers, mentors, and industry leaders who share your commitment to sustainability allows you to tap into a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and new opportunities. By actively participating in conferences, professional associations, and online forums, you can stay abreast of the latest trends, access cutting-edge research and best practices, and even uncover potential collaborations that can further your sustainability initiatives.

Building a robust professional network is crucial. Connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders passionate about sustainability. Attend conferences, join professional associations, and engage in online forums. These connections offer valuable insights, new opportunities, and support as the industry evolves with climate change.

Es imposible querer abarcar todo solo, sigue a expertos en la materia y a colegas apasionados que te traeran informacion a tu newsfeed. Agrega a las paginas de interes de las entidades internacionales y los organismos que estan activamente involucrados en las conversaciones sobre cambio climatico en multiples sectores de la economia y sociedad civil.

In my experience, the most successful sustainability experts are those who cultivate a mindset of flexibility and openness to new opportunities. We must be willing to venture beyond our comfort zones, to explore alternative approaches and emerging areas of focus, in order to remain relevant and impactful.

The ability to adapt is key to career resilience. As climate change brings new challenges, your role in sustainability may shift. Be open to changing focus, working on new initiatives, or moving to sectors growing due to environmental concerns. Flexibility allows you to navigate changes successfully and keep your career moving forward.

Incorpora habilidades digitales y tecnológicas relacionadas a datos, imágenes satelitales, modelado de información, comunicación, etc. Nunca dejes de formarte, luego las puntas conectaras y podras innovar en multiples ambitos. Nunca sabes donde podras destacarte en el contexto tan cambiante que vivimos. Asimismo, emergen nuevas especialidades todos los dias que te permiten hacer re-skilling o un cambio de direccion profesional.

My best recommendations: 1. Stay Educated: Keep up with the latest advancements and certifications in sustainability and climate science. 2. Network Actively: Build strong connections with industry professionals and join relevant organizations to stay in the loop. 3. Embrace Technology: Learn about and leverage emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT for sustainable solutions.

Decolonize your way of thinking. Continue to learn from people with lived experiences, who have seen their lands ruined after thousands of years of sustainable practices from a few hundred years of colonization. It's a career for most of us but it is the essential way of life for the people who called this land home long before we knew this land existed