With a variety of different measures outlined in its Ten Point Plan, the UK government aims to reduce emissions by 180 million tonnes of carbon dioxide between 2023 and 2032.
This vision for a greener future involves making significant changes to infrastructure, transport, buildings, and our natural environment. These new plans and reforms will provide thousands of job opportunities across multiple sectors – and we’ve listed some of these below.
How will public sector workers benefit from Net Zero plans?
The Net Zero strategy sets out to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Though optimistic, unprecedented investment will be undertaken to reduce Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The move to a carbon neutral for the UK will create many new roles, both in existing industries and in new and developing fields to help promote a sustainable future.
Which industries need green jobs?
- Construction
In construction, we should expect to see a move towards greener buildings. Experts will be required to help corporate and residential buildings meet the mark. Greener buildings require architects, surveyors, and a wider team of construction workers.
In particular, workers who are specifically skilled in the latest technologies will be needed. From solar panel installation to air source heat pump maintenance, our ability to make buildings greener will rely on skilled individuals across the industry.
- Engineering
Offshore wind farms will be needed to generate clean power. The energy generated can be used to run cars, buses, lorries, and trains, and to heat our homes too.
Combined, developments in advanced nuclear power, low-carbon hydrogen, and advanced offshore wind could generate more than 78,000 jobs. Skilled technicians and mechanical engineers will be required on some of the most cutting-edge environmental sites across the UK.
- Land management
The government aims to establish new and expand upon existing National Parks and Ares of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This will harness the natural carbon absorptive qualities of woodlands.
Jobs will be available in nature and land management. Furthermore, any natural sites used for tourism will also require staff to manage customer areas.
- Transport
Low-carbon initiatives already support hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK. With a government-proposed plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, we should expect to see roles becoming available in manufacture of electronic vehicles.
- Software development
Behind the scenes, local and national authorities will rely on computer processes to keep new systems running smoothly. IT staff, including software engineers and developers, will therefore be needed to maintain daily operations.
From offshore power stations to some of the largest power plants, energy data needs to be safely stored, managed, and interpreted.
Final thoughts
With the government’s new plans, it’s clear that now is an excellent time to enter a career in sustainability – particularly if you’re an engineer or mechanic. Commenting on the new Net Zero strategy, Past Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“The UK’s path to ending our contribution to climate change will be paved with well-paid jobs, billions in investment and thriving green industries – powering our green industrial revolution across the country.”
