Goodbye Business as Usual: Rethinking My Career for the Climate

March 1, 2023

It took me several years to understand the issues and consequences of climate change. My dreams and goals in life have changed as a result. I realized that this is not a “separate issue”, a “cause that concerns only a few people”. I am beginning to take action to have a career more appropriate to the challenges of climate change. It’s time for me to come out as an eco-conscious person and express what it means for my professional future.

I no longer want to work in a job that contributes to global warming. I want a job that belongs in a world compatible with the Paris agreements, i.e. that limits global warming to well below 2°C.
As a result, the company I work for must commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. And a significant part of its strategy must rely on emission reduction, not emission offsetting (otherwise I call it greenwashing).
The company will not participate in or finance the exploitation of fossil fuels. We know that we must stop all fossil fuel development now to meet global targets.
I will be vigilant about the respect of biodiversity and ecosystems by the company’s activity, especially on the artificialization of soils, water management and the use of pesticides.
I give up pursuing a career regardless of its environmental cost.
I’m done with business as usual.

I acknowledge that these commitments are easier for me to keep than for others, given my personal situation and my industry. I may one day give up on these commitments if I am in need, but I rather intend to strengthen them. My aim is to be part of the solution and build a better future, instead of perpetuating the problem. Who knows, I may go further and branch out from tech completely in the future.