In many ancient civilisations farmers and rural communities seemed to know a lot more about the significance of the stars than most of us take note of today, and were guided by astronomical and astrological foretelling of events and likelihoods – from being able to pre-empt weather patterns far ahead to predictions of major disease scourges such as Covid. This even Nostradamus predicted.
So perhaps more lessons need to be learnt from our cultural beginnings on how to deal with the process of transformation that’s on the way now. Because according to the current astronomical movements of Pluto the planet of spirituality and change on social and geographical levels, like it or not, change is where we’re at!
Pluto came into the Earth’s orbit in March this year, but will be fully influential as from 2024 until it has completed its planetary “clearing and healing” role in 2044. So expect a lot to happen! Ultimately for the positive transformation of its inhabitants and the survival of the planet itself. And this is where BVM youth can help.
Careers to change our tomorrows.
But where to start if you’re trying to decide right now how you can contribute through your career?
The following guidelines are offered for making a meaningful move towards restoring the environment and, with it, our socio-economic development, with the emphasis on a range of green career opportunities available to school leavers, and youth who are currently at a turning point.
Firstly, it will be worth googling the outcomes of important congresses and indabas taking place this month through to the new year that will highlight new directions for South Africa, and the continent to help slow down radical climate change.
These include Africa Climate Week (ACU), currently being coordinated by Kenya, parallel with the African Climate Action Summit, which promises to set examples for the rest of the continent.
And closer to home in the Western Cape, October will see South Africa hosting the Green Energy Summit as well as Africa Oil Week promising stronger carbon-management strategies for exploring oil and gas resources.
While launching internationally on November 30, COP 28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, will review the whole global situation at Expo City in Dubai until 12 December.
Meanwhile, back in SA preparations are already at an advanced stage for the big 2024 African Energy Indaba in March.
So by keeping an eye on the conversations going on at any of these events, tomorrow’s concerned planetary caretakers among our Breede Valley school leavers may be able to identify some valuable career directions that will not only be remunerative, but will contribute to the soonest possible turnaround time towards the transformation of our planet.
Careers and jobs available now
But for immediate reference, a brief google under green and sustainability careers in South Africa reveals more than 150 jobs and entry-level careers available. Career opportunities that will upskill us in the right direction to help change the world. These include: Green architecture – with a focus on better interior shape-power in school classrooms and boardrooms that has been proven to produce more harmonious group interaction, solutions and learning power.
Packaging – towards healthier and biodegradable packaging for the retail food industry, industrial in general, and for domestic use, that can make a big contribution to the planet’s waste disposal and recycling problems.
Design and production of more natural fabrics for the fashion industry
Green jobs in the engineering sector, and in new engineering fields, including what is being described as ‘cleaner’ car and truck manufacture, towards reducing the transport sector’s 90% contribution to SA’s high carbon emissions.
There are also sustainability jobs for scientists and bio-chemists, and openings in a range of green technologies and opportunities for environment internships with leading companies offering environmental, sustainable and green employment, as well as in bio-energy and bio-fuel sectors; and in geothermal, solar and hydro-electric categories.
And you can also add to your list of future job opportunities, green design, recycling, energy efficient construction, exploration into other natural science fields, and farm jobs in the new agriculture fields. The latter is also a plea to our farmers and more traditional agriculturalists who are still sitting on the fence between the old and the new methods now being practiced in parts of the Western Cape.
Jobs for adults with the appropriate qualifications are also available now at the Western Cape Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
But if you’re a pending school leaver, it could also be a good idea to contact Stellenbosch University’s Department of Environmental Studies to find out more about their courses.
So there’s no shortage of employment potential or interesting career opportunities if you really care about your future and want to ensure South Africa’s greener and healthier existence, while helping to restore the current direction of the planet’s radical changes in climate.
Just google ‘green careers in South Africa and see how many rewarding and creative routes you can take to help save our planet!
“What’s needed most is a change of heart”
But the most important change we need to make at this stage towards saving the planet is a change of heart and attitude. When Madiba said “you are the change you seek” he meant that through a change of heart we can all help to change the outcome. The state of the planet can be said to be a reflection of society’s rate of social evolution, but the BVM and CWDM regions are already beginning to make a contribution.
