Every Job Can be Planet Positive

By Chad Frischmann , Founder & CEO of RegenIntel

While every job may not actually be a climate job, every job can be a planet-positive one. A truly sustainable economy requires a wide range of skills and perspectives, from scientists and engineers to lawyers, accountants, marketers, and beyond. This inclusivity is essential for fostering and maintaining the systemic changes necessary to not just address climate change, biodiversity loss, and other global challenges, but create opportunities that generate cascading benefits for all life. By understanding that solutions to these crises are interlinked with every aspect of our professional and personal lives, we can start to see how diverse roles contribute to a larger, regenerative framework.

As the transition towards a climate solutions economy becomes more and more needed, a prevailing misconception is that careers focused on climate or sustainability must sacrifice financial security for the sake of environmental stewardship. However, this view overlooks the growing opportunities that come from a solutions reorientation that are not only impactful but also offer financial security and career growth potential. In truth, the movement towards a sustainable, regenerative future is creating a diverse array of well-paid, fulfilling jobs across multiple sectors, challenging the notion that doing good and doing well are mutually exclusive.

As the global economy increasingly recognizes the need for solutions that multisolve for the many challenges we face, industries ranging from renewable energy to regenerative agriculture and sustainable finance are expanding rapidly. This expansion drives demand for skilled professionals in these areas, offering competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities. For example, careers in renewable energy, such as wind turbine technicians and solar photovoltaic installers, are among the fastest-growing occupations, reflecting the sector's critical role in transitioning to a clean energy future.

Moreover, the regenerative economy is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, creating avenues for new business models that prioritize environmental sustainability while being financially lucrative. Climate technology startups and sustainable product companies are attracting significant investment, underscoring the economic viability of solutions-oriented businesses. This entrepreneurial wave not only generates responsible wealth, it also contributes to the creation of jobs that are both meaningful and supportive of a regenerative economy.

Opportunities abound, not just for scientists, engineers and business leaders, but also for writers, project managers, supply chain specialists, event planners, farmers and consultants. Professionals who specialize in sustainability practices and climate solutions are finding their skills in high demand as businesses seek to navigate the transition to a regenerative economy. These roles offer the chance to influence corporate strategies and operations profoundly, steering them towards more sustainable outcomes while ensuring the professionals engaged in this work are well-compensated for their expertise.

Let’s imagine some planet-positive jobs.

Consider an accountant, Jane, who works for a circular waste management company. This company is revolutionizing the way we think about waste, transforming it from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular system where materials are reused, recycled, and repurposed. Jane’s role is critical in tracking the financial health of the company, ensuring that its sustainable practices are also economically viable.

Jane implements her accounting prowess to evaluate the environmental impact of the company's operations in financial terms, such as calculating the cost savings from diverting waste from landfills and the revenue generated from selling recycled materials. This involves close collaboration with operational teams to quantify the financial benefits of circular economy principles, making a case for sustainability as a driver of profitability.

Moreover, Jane is involved in securing funding for new recycling technologies, working with investors who are keen on supporting green initiatives. By providing transparent, impact-focused financial reporting, Jane helps attract investment in circular economy solutions, underscoring the role of finance professionals in enabling the transition to a regenerative future.

Now meet Jordan, a communications expert who once crafted compelling ad campaigns for luxury SUVs. His career took a turn when he decided to apply his storytelling skills to advocate for climate solutions, particularly focusing on promoting sustainable transportation options.

Jordan’s pivotal moment came when he led a team to develop a Super Bowl commercial, not for the latest gas-guzzling truck, but for an innovative electric vehicle (EV) company. The commercial wasn't just an ad; it was a narrative masterpiece that wove together themes of adventure, sustainability, and a brighter future for the planet. It showcased families and individuals from various walks of life making the switch to electric vehicles, highlighting the positive impact of such a choice on the environment without sacrificing the joy and freedom associated with driving.

The commercial struck a chord with millions, sparking conversations about climate change and the role of individual choices in combating it. Social media buzzed with discussions on EVs, and the ad was praised for its positive and inclusive message, showing that choosing sustainability doesn't mean compromising on quality of life.?

Jordan then went on to consult for his local city on how to make the new renovations of the public transport system “sexy.”

Both these examples illustrate how talented people can engage their skills and passion across a multitude of professions and areas of expertise in well-paying, secure, and, most importantly, fulfilling jobs. We need millions of individuals to see how their work and educational experiences can translate into climate and sustainability careers. And, we need everyone to incorporate regenerative principles into their work across every sector, industry, and product, if we are to successfully become a planet-positive species.?

Have your cake and eat it too

The notion that one must choose between financial security and contributing to a regenerative future is becoming increasingly outdated. The climate solutions economy demonstrates that it is possible to build a career that is both financially rewarding and aligned with the goals of environmental stewardship and social equity. This shift is indicative of a broader economic transformation, one that recognizes the value of sustainability and regeneration not just as moral imperatives but as pillars of a thriving, resilient economy.

By dispelling the myth that climate-focused careers are synonymous with financial sacrifice, we open the door to a future where doing good for the planet and its inhabitants is also seen as a pathway to personal and professional fulfillment. This realization is crucial for mobilizing the broad-based participation necessary to tackle the environmental challenges we face, ensuring that the journey towards a regenerative future is inclusive, equitable, and prosperous for all.