Planetary Restoration Workforce

Safeguarding Human and Environmental Health By Elisabeth P. Montgomery, Ph.D., Global Career Development Facilitator President-Elect Asia Pacific Career Development Association Researching the lives and careers of Planetary Health Specialists took me to the cutting edge of a growing field that links human health and environmental sustainability. As ecosystems degrade due to climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, these professionals work to understand how environmental changes directly affect public health. Here’s a powerful insight from Planetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves by Samuel Meyers and Howard Frumkin. "It is not just climate change; it is everything change!" The transdisciplinary nature of Planetary Health Specialist work brings together the human skills we need to develop to solve planetary problems. They collaborate across disciplines to design policies and interventions that mitigate the health impacts of environmental degradation. This emerging career is essential as we increasingly realize that the well-being of people and the planet are intricately connected. Planetary Health Specialists play a crucial role in building a sustainable future that prioritizes both ecological integrity and human health. Introduction (Why It Matters):  The concept of planetary health highlights a fundamental truth: human health depends on the health of our planet. The air…

In this third article in the series on Planetary Restoration Workforces, we explore the essential roles dedicated to restoring and preserving our environment. As cities worldwide expand, the need for sustainable infrastructure and green spaces becomes increasingly vital. Enter the Urban Ecologist, a professional who blends urban planning with ecological principles to ensure that growing cities remain healthy, vibrant, and in harmony with the environment. Urban ecology studies ecosystems in urban areas, focusing on the relationship between living organisms and their built environment. “A city is not the problem. It’s the solution.” ~ Jaime Lerner In the 20th Century, activist Jane Jacobs advocated for inclusive city planning in New York City, where all residents are involved in shaping the urban environment to ensure sustainability​. She spent her life collaborating with the neighborhoods and communities to develop a center for design review for the city's real estate developers. In 2005, urban ecologists founded The Center for the Living City to build on Ms. Jacobs' work. The Center aims to expand the understanding of contemporary urban life and inspire civic engagement and creative responses for advancing social, economic, and environmental justice. When I first read the story about the former mayor of…

In this installment of the Planetary Restoration Workforces series, Marine Conservationists are in the spotlight. Their work is critical to protecting the oceans and restoring marine ecosystems, which are vital to maintaining global biodiversity and climate stability. Introduction (Why It Matters): The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are crucial for regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources for billions of people. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Marine Biologists are at the forefront of efforts to understand, protect, and restore these critical environments. By studying marine life and ecosystems, Marine Biologists contribute to global sustainability and planetary restoration by working to preserve biodiversity, manage fisheries sustainably, and mitigate the impacts of human activities on ocean health. As the world increasingly looks to the oceans for food, energy, and climate solutions, the role of Marine Biologists becomes ever more critical. Career Overview (What They Do): Marine Biologists study life in the oceans, from microscopic organisms like plankton to large mammals such as whales. They research marine ecosystems to understand how they function and how human activities affect them. This work can involve laboratory research, field studies, and…