Fifty years have passed since economists William Nordhaus and James Tobin suggested modifications to GDP to incorporate environmental damage costs. As the United Nations summit focusing on future challenges convenes in New York this week, advocates are reiterating the necessity to modernize GDP measurements to factor in the value of “nature capital.”
This updated calculation takes into account human impact across three vital sectors of the global economy: food, land, and oceanic use; infrastructure and built environments; and energy and extractive industries. The goal is to encourage a shift towards a “nature-positive” paradigm where environmental harm is not only halted but actively reversed and restored.
The World Economic Forum reports that transitioning to a nature-positive model by 2030 could generate 395 million new jobs worldwide, unlocking an estimated £7.5 trillion in business potential. Emerging roles could span a variety of professions, including biodiversity specialists, eco supply chain managers, and project coordinators focused on environmental initiatives.
In the UK, while the climate change sector has established roots, the nature-positive industry currently employs only 38,000 individuals. However, a new initiative, the “Notts nature hub,” is being launched in Nottinghamshire, uniting local organizations, activists, and academic institutions to bolster this movement.
The University of Nottingham is spearheading a £1 million initiative to create the world’s first biodiversity credit standards, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University under the “Nature Positive Universities” program. Additionally, the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts operates from nearby Newark.
Nottingham is also home to Biodiversify, a nature-positive consultancy led by Dr. Mike Burgass. He describes the concept of a nature-positive economy (NPE) as an innovative approach that aligns economic activities with ecological restoration. “Unlike traditional economic frameworks that often favor short-term gains at the cost of the environment, NPE focuses on sustainable long-term practices,” he explained.
The consultancy collaborates with major brands, including Primark and Tetra Pak, to enhance sustainable business methods, such as minimizing water consumption and mitigating biodiversity loss.
Dr. Burgass emphasizes the necessity of addressing the green skills gap at the highest levels within companies to facilitate forward movement in the sector. “It is critical to develop both conservationists versed in business and policy, and to significantly upskill professionals in other fields; for example, finance teams should be well-educated in natural capital and environmental economics,” he stated.
There are early signs of this transformation taking place. With construction activities contributing to almost 40 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions, NPE principles are increasingly influencing how construction firms operate.
Andrew Carpenter, CEO of the Structural Timber Association, champions this shift, stating, “Nature-positive thinking is infiltrating construction practices. It’s about ensuring a sustainable future.”
Alex Goodfellow, CEO of Donaldson Offsite, a timber company, highlighted the commitment to sustainability: “For every tree harvested from sustainably managed forests, five are planted in its place.”
Adopting a nature-positive model can significantly lessen the risks associated with nature loss, including supply chain disruptions and resource scarcity.
Professor Karen Wooley, Chief Technology Officer at bioplastics company Teysha Technologies, underscored that embracing a nature-positive approach is vital for both environmental sustainability and economic growth. “Businesses must recognize that such strategies are essential for future job security,” she commented.
Building a Career in the Nature-Positive Sector
To develop a career in the nature-positive economy, professionals must partner with businesses to address emerging challenges. Given the sector’s novelty, career pathways are evolving. Here are essential considerations:
● Pursue degrees in fields such as environmental science, biology, or data science.
● Reflect on personal attributes—successful individuals tend to be inquisitive, problem-solving, creative, patient, and resilient.
● Gain practical experience, especially in the private sector. Internships can greatly enhance your prospects in this niche area.
● Data proficiency is crucial; learning programming languages like Python or R can broaden your employment opportunities.
● Stay updated on industry developments. Keeping abreast of research and biodiversity policies is integral for informed decision-making and skill relevancy.
● Acquire new skills related to habitat creation through targeted courses, as building biodiversity knowledge requires extensive learning.
● Explore non-academic roles, including entrepreneurial avenues like training ground crews in habitat development.
Future Prospects in Biodiversity
As a co-founder of the nature-positive consultancy Biodiversify, Dr. Michael Burgass is at the forefront of this emerging field in the UK. At 36, he shared, “I established the firm in 2018 with Dr. Sam Sinclair while completing my PhD, aiming to translate our academic expertise into practical applications. There is a distinct divide; many conservation organizations struggle to communicate effectively with the business sector. Our mission is to bridge that gap.”
Dr. Burgass noted, “Biodiversity is currently trailing the climate sector by several years, but given its complexity, it has potential for substantial growth outpacing the climate focus. We must establish it as a credible career path to attract talent and elevate salaries. As economic activities drive nature’s destruction, it is imperative that we address this issue conscientiously.”
Employer Challenges
Recent studies reveal that 27 percent of employers have experienced “ghosting,” where new hires fail to show up on their first day. Additionally, 41 percent of firms reported that new employees resigned within their first three months. Claire McCartney, a policy manager at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, stated, “With the competitive landscape for candidates, retaining employees must begin even before their first day.”
Growing Opportunities in Marketing
The Brixton Finishing School has appointed Jo Royce to lead its “ADventure” initiative, a program aimed at enhancing social mobility in marketing. Funded by a grant from the Marketing Skills Trust, Royce’s mission is to engage 100,000 young individuals aged 14-19 from underrepresented backgrounds and equip them with skills for careers in media and marketing.
The Importance of Workplace Environment
Research shows that nearly one-fourth of job candidates have turned down positions due to unsatisfactory office environments, a figure that rises to one-third among those under 25. Key factors influencing these decisions include inadequate on-site amenities and poor access to local dining and entertainment options. Michael Kovacs from Castleforge noted that as businesses adapt to hybrid work models, the significance of high-quality work environments for both existing and prospective employees has grown substantially.
Unclaimed Expenses Highlighted
Employees neglected to claim £1.4 billion in expenses last year, with individuals missing an average of £16.71 per month. A report from Equals Money indicated that 22 percent of workers had unclaimed expenses exceeding one year. Spokesperson Steve Paul commented, “Many employees overlook small amounts, perceiving them as trivial. However, these minor sums can accumulate to significant totals over time.”
Career Opening Spotlight
Toni & Guy seeks a Property Director to implement the company’s property strategy, overseeing salon refurbishments and providing assistance to franchise partners. The role demands maintaining the company’s 680 salons globally while ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Potential applicants should have project management expertise, a thorough understanding of industry regulations, and strong experience in managing commercial leases. The salary ranges from £80,000 to £95,000 annually, commensurate with experience. The position primarily involves fieldwork, requiring at least one day per week at the London support office. Candidates aiming for their first director-level position are encouraged to apply by October 14.