Researchers (Sustainability)

Money and attention tend to flow to national, one-size-fits-all responses to crises like climate change, but there is a dearth of research on the ways local, environmentally connected communities have responded to such problems, according to Herron. Traditional communities, such as Amish and American Indian groups, may have developed low-tech, localized and effective responses to various environmental changes that could be scaled up or transplanted to other locations.

But first, researchers and academics must devote time to studying the local practices. This “hot job” isn’t necessarily attracting a lot of money and attention right now, but it’s an urgent and neglected area of research, says Herron.

See our more in-depth description of what is involved in the role of sustainability consulting. Also, read a typical day in the life of Polina Feldman, a Sustainability Consultant with Blu Skye Sustainability.