TAMPA, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Climate change isn’t just a growing threat, it’s a job opportunity. From coastal engineering to ecosystem restoration, environmental careers are on the rise, and they’re making a big impact. Today, we go to the beach with one young woman turning her passion into purpose and breakdown the top-paying environmental jobs that could inspire your kids to be part of the solution.
Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction along the gulf coast.
Libby Royer saw the impact of the storm firsthand and it changed the course of her life.
“These natural disasters are just going to continue, and we need to learn to live with them,” she told Ivanhoe.
Libby is now finishing up her PhD in coastal geology, focused on using nature to fight nature.
“I feel like this is the scientific piece that I’ve been missing, like the piece that will help me be able to actually solve some problems,” she explained.
Researching ways to protect shorelines from storms using mangroves, oyster reefs, and dunes. not just concrete walls.
“Maybe we allow the natural environment to absorb the change, absorb even the storm and recover easier,” said Libby’s University of South Florida geosciences professor Ping Wang, PhD.
He says students today aren’t just inspired by science; they’re motivated by purpose.
“At the end of the day, what we are trying to protect is the community,” explained Prof. Wang.
He says more students see the impact of climate change and environmental careers are growing fast. Top jobs like environmental engineer or climate analyst can earn over a $100,000 a year. And many other roles don’t require a college degree. Technicians and conservation officers can make between $50-65,000, giving parents plenty of pathways to encourage.
Libby says the storms are only going to get worse and that’s why she’s focused on real-world impact.
“We know that they’re only getting worse. We’re going to keep seeing them. It’s not something that’s ever going to change. So, we have to just use new and exciting scientific findings to be able to improve the resilience of our community,” she said.
Jobs in this sector are expected to grow up to six times faster than average, making it one of the most purpose-driven fields for the next generation. If you’re looking for ways to encourage your child to get involved in STEM, this could be a great start.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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