Is your job bad for the Earth?

It's Earth Day, and I've done what I can to mark the occasion - dug up a concrete slab in my garden and planted up the soil beneath, joined an informal local food-buying cooperative to get organic produce at wholesale prices, and attended a consciousness-raising film club (that bit took place last night, but hey).

I daresay that many others will have done as much, possibly more. But are such gestures worth anything if, in our day jobs, we continue to create the conditions that have led to global warming, and unsustainable economic growth? It's a question that we should all ask ourselves, disturbing though all too many of us, in "developed" countries, may find it.

On that basis, I've come up with a poll asking which jobs, or rather work sectors, are the least earth-friendly. (I know that the earth will carry on revolving whether or not we inhabit its surface, but the term provides a useful shorthand for keeping-the-earth-in-a-condition-that-permits-humankind-to- survive.)

Obviously, within each sector, there will be some people who do invaluable work to address the problems we face. But I strongly suspect that those are exceptions that prove the rule. So if you had a chance to shut down an entire sector, for the planet's sake, which would it be?

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Comments

[Robin]

In some producer countries, the manufacture of cement consumes up to 30% of the total energy bill in that country.
The manufacture and distribution of construction materials consume a further 10% with the actual construction of large projects themselves use huge amounts of energy.
Why is the construction industry not in the list?
Spurious and misleading journalism spring to mind.

[Paul Sharp]

I'm a driving instructor, and I'm aware of the issues.

I suppose that makes me a hypocrite, but frankly, stopping what I'm doing would cause me a lot of hardship, and would not make any difference. There are no shortage of instructors. At least this job gives me the option of teaching people how to drive more economically. I'm getting well over 50 miles to the gallon from my little fiesta diesel.

[Chuck K]

Well that proves it then. A vote on what industries are least Earth friendly. So the Chemical industry is all right then?

[Ben]

Interesting to read the other posts. Seems to be quite alot of sceptical comments... maybe you guys are right. Maybe there is too much enviro-hype going on... and maybe it is all a big con to get us to pay a green tax. But it bothers me alot when I read the rubbish that some of you guys have written. Do you not understand the shear scale of how much stuff we consume and throw away. Do you not have the ability to recognise the destruction that we cause liveing the way we currently live? Even if there was no massive issue with the concentration of CO2 in the air what about the other major environmetnal issues? What about all the rain forests that are being cut down? What about the pollution that is caused for the communities that live near oil extraction sites (or down stream of them)? What about the routine poisioning of the soils with petrochemical based agricultural inputs? What about the state of the planets dwindling fish stocks? It's not all about the god damn CO2 people! For those of you that have children that are still in nappies: Does it not bother you that the disposable nappies that you most probably buy for your children will sit in the ground for 500 years before they rot down properly? Does it not also bother you that there are toxic chemicals in those nappies that come into contact with your childrens skin? I think most of the idiots that have posted comments here have forgotten just how many people live on this planet and in this country. eg, The land resource in England can only support a population of around 20 million people. That means that if we were in a position where the costs (energy) of importing food were so prohibitively high that the majority of us simply couldn't afford to buy them then we have a major problem. Just answer me one question - What the hell are all you guys gonna do when the CHEAP energy (ie. the fossil fuels) runs out?

[king]

media is the dirtiest job because it creates global warming lies,hoaxes

[J Bailey]

IT aint on the list, its in every industry and our carbon footprint makes Aviation look like a drop in the pond!

We use more electricty than any industry and therefore burn more fossil fuels and use more paper for all our documents.

Oil is the cleanest, it only produces the stuff its the rest of us that uses it :)

Jon.

[Husain]

OIL is the fuel of global warming which is the largest issue on the world which is not acted on, we need to take action to this issue...Its a global issue which most people dont understand.
I think everyone needs to see this video (even skeptics):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDsIFspVzfI

[Karen]

Banking is the lifeblood that focuses the financial resource of the nation into activity. Whilst it does not patently pump out the carbon like aviation, the military, & the petrochemical industries, it does provide the hidden means for those businesses to do their "best" & worst. A refocus of finance into "greener" activities (i.e. lower rates of interest for non-polluters or carbon-neutral) could incentivise the move over to more appropriately constituted industry.

[Jaap den Haan]

The whole concept of labour should be broadened, and a distinction made between work and just earning money.
The means are all there, they just have to be reoriented.

[Jaap den Haan]

The whole concept of labour should be broadened, and a distinction made between work and just earning money.
The means are all there, they just have to be reoriented.

[Sean]

Perhaps someone should investigate the NHS and their distinct lack of recycling facilities. In the small clinic where I work untold units of paper are used but none of it is recycled. Alot of this paper is taken away for secure shredding as it holds confidential patient details, but I am not convinced that once it has been processed that it will be re-used. I appreciate that there would be logistical and financial difficulties for the NHS in resolving these issues but it sickens me to think how many trees are uprooted per day to sustain the demand of one hospital let alone the entire service.

The dismissive attitude of the NHS and society in general is further exemplified by the amount of, especially free, daily newspapers that are left strewn about the train that I catch every morning, which must be collected and dumped in the nearest bin.

Surely if we make our public institutions and private sector bodies assume some sort of corporate accountability for their use and disposal of paper then that will encourage us to recognise and act to counter our superfluous use of such a valuable resource?

[elmlish]

We are in interesting beast who has soiled its nest. On a purely selfish level; a level on which many of the climate change deniers would, no doubt be able to relate on; it is important we find ways to act as proper stewards of our nests, guide the changes that we know are coming in a way best suited to increasing our own comfort, and stop acting like ignorant beasts who defecate on their own food. We've the opportunity to behave like adults here. We've learned enough about the way things work to understand that certain actions have repercussions. Things _will_ get uncomfortable, but if we act with wisdom, we can make this a soft landing rather than an all out crashy one.

[S Morrow]

I'm shocked to see that so few people realize the perilous impact our modern farming ecosystems and industrial enterprises have on the environments. The oil required to harvest the food uses many multiples of the energy grown, the runoff of nitrogen-heavy fertilizer creates untold damage to our waterways, and land is leached of all its nutrients to the point where it becomes unusable. Just because the oil industry and aviation are more visible does not make them necessarily worse.

[Paul]

digg.com is bad for the environment

[James]

Politics??? Doesn't this techinally cover everything on the list anyway.....?

[Just a question]

Are you still breathing? If you even have to consider this question you are wasting precious oxygen...

[SuperDiesel]

What about the "military" sector? Are you implying that they are eco-friendly? I'm sure wiping out footprints all together leaves less "carbon footprints" to worry about!

[Dan Xuereb]

Anyone remember the Dark Ages? Not literally of course, but they were characterised by the most powerful people in the world (the Church) slowing down the progress of the human race and raking in money by making the ill-educated masses afraid of something that doesn't exist. Sound familiar anyone?

Anyway, there's an easy way to sort out this eco-rubbish. Every time you read an article in a newspaper encouraging you to give up your job to save the planet, or stop heating your house in winter so that algae in Canada can breath a little easier, just turn your heating up a notch, or go for an unnecessary drive.

[Andrew T]

STOP WORRYING!!!

It's all a load of rubbish anyway. "MAN MADE GLOBAL WARMING" is a political money spinner... GREEN TAX anyone?

[Gerard]

All part of the "new" religion of Earth Worship. It has all the irrationality of old - indulgences sold in the form of carbon offsets, guilt, hell fire, the works. It's foundation is no more solid than that of the medieval church, and I will have none of it.

[The Remittance Man]

What about the mining industry? Come on, we do our bit for enviro-vandalism too.

[thud]

I feel no guilt what so ever...but in the spirit of the moment I am prepared to mulch any journalists or eco nazis I come across...good enough?

[Toby]

This post and the commetns are embarrassing - ill considered, illogical and warmed over third rate Marxist fluff.

[E. Baylis]

People who work in pharmacology laboratories experimenting on animals and claim that it is for the good of human health. Adverse reactions to drugs are the 4th biggest human killer in the Western world and probably the second biggest murderer of animal life.

The industry encourages the consumption of animal produce which is the sector releasing the most green house gases. Do your bit and go vegan.

Pharmaceutical companies have ruined the balance between humans and our environment, what makes humans sick also poisons the planet, but with the help of animal tested drugs we can continue to rape and murder every life form without feeling the effects on humanity. For those who get depressed with society, there's always a magic pill to ensure you stop caring and keep working.

Human medication goes through us and pollutes the waterways, changing the gender of aquatic life and poisoning the seas.

Pharmaceutical companies prevent the worlds poorest from accessing medication which would reduce suffering, preferring to focus their attention on animal research into medications to help people suffering from diseases of affluence and laziness. Simply because these people can afford to pay.

Researchers who value the rain forest only for the potentially money making medicines which could be hidden with in have no respect for the rich variety of life and the intrinsic value of all species.

If someone can look a beagle in the eye whilst torturing them daily, how can they be expected to show any compassion to the earth, animals or other human beings? Vegans may not be 100% perfect, but at least we are trying.

[Tom]

The only answer is Advertising - As Bill Hicks once said, "Anyone here who is in advertising...go home, and kill yourself, you are the spawn of satan and you are ruining the planet...no I'm not joking...kill yourself!"

[Erin]

Can I just say, the construction industry is possiby the most forward thinking and environmentally conscious out of the main "corporate industries". Not to meniton it is probably the easiest to evolve and adapt to the demand for change, as it depends on technology rather than politics. Currently the construction industry in developed countries, especially in the commercial and residential sector is under immense scrutiny to improve and implement the latest "green" energy saving technologies into new build and refurbishments.

In Australia Brown and Grey Water systems are all but compulsary for all commercial. In England the new IHT has proven it surpasses solar power and loses less energy in conversion that any other generator and is now gaining support for international investment.

These are just two examples out of a thousand new and innovative ways the construction industry is working to build efficient buildings, in the most efficient way possible. Please do not be so ignorant as think international scrutiny is based on the end product alone.

The construction industry creates the policy for green building because the construction industry invents them. If it were left to the politicians to tell us what to build and when, they would still be disputing whether asbestos was lethal!

As for building roads and raillines... improving infrastructure and over land communication is essential for large business, trades and emergency services to operate. You just have to decide how you personally will travel upon them. In your 4x4 as you drive your child 2 miles to school?

Or maybe getting off your fat arse and cycling to work if you live within 10 miles. Who knows, when you get to work the shower you use may be linked to a brown water system, unlike your house, and if that doesn't do it for you... with 6 to 8 weeks worth of daily cycling behind you, someone might take a shine to your trim physique!

[Vlad the Impala]

That is why I have given up Work and live on the meagre state benefits.Like the queen.

[gonzalo]

Dear Sirs,

Just take a look at this:

http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/forum/pdfs/ 2003/summary_03.pdf

http://commonhorizon.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

Gonzalo

[124]

The 'Truth'... we all live at the expense of the earth because we have been lied to, about everything! The 'real' History that should be taught is not, it is replaced by what 'they' want us to know, either for 'their' own ends or just sheer pragmatism because of what lies ahead for the human race. We have gone too far down the wrong track - it's pointless to NOW say 'Is what I do hurting the planet?'

Living is hurting the planet. What hurts the most though is that things could have been different if we had been told the truth. The truth about the cost to the planet of endless consumption of oil, fiat currency and how we have been cheated and that it seems to be impossible to govern without corruption - and if you do govern without corruption you don't stay on the planet for very long! Humans!

[127]

All human activity is detrimental to the environment, and consumption is a part of a delicate natural balance that has been destroyed when humans discovered a wealth of fossilised energy coupled with a transactional token system which was unlimited. The oil and coal has provided a vast supply of energy which has resulted in an explosion in our sustainable population, and an unquestioning attitude with regard to energy availability. The transactional medium arbitrating all this, ie 'Fiat Currency' or simply money has become a valueless and, within the availability of raw materials, limitless commodity which can be created on demand and yet accrue a charge (interest) which has to be 'found' by growing the economy. Growing the economy means more energy and resource consumption and in turn gives rise to our current crisis. Put transactional systems back onto an uncheatable basis and eradicate usury you have a chance to find a solution - without that we have the future we deserve.

[robert tratz]

I agree with Mr. Martin-Smith. If we all give up our unfriendly to the Earth way of life, what will be the end result? Let's give up our cars, stop heating our homes with fossil fuels, and buy all of our food at a co-ops or outdoor markets. Doing these things aren't bad in and of themselves, but will they really change the situtation?

Countries like India and China are among the biggest pollution offenders, yet this is how a vast majority of their people live. Yet these people are the poorest of the poor. Does anybody truely want to live like the people in these countries. Apparently not, everybody is trying to move here...

And what if we did give up everything to "save the earth?" Millions would be out of jobs, starving, without shelter and the basic needs of life. Thus millions will die. I live in the northern hemisphere. I'll freeze or starve the first winter.

I did nothing for Earth Day because I will not be guilted. I saw a special on National Geographic or Discovery (I can't remember which) which tried to make me feel guilty for drinking milk and eating bread. Not to mention the horrible people who are compounding the problem by having children. All I could think was how many trees they killed by laying out tens of thousands of milk cartons to prove their point.

Instead I keep my heat at 62% all winter long. I try to drive the speed limit. I only have to put out garbage once every 2 or 3 weeks. While I travel for work, I find a hotel close to where I'll be working and I walk. I try to own fuel effecient cars, although the most fuel effecient are out of my price range. That's irony. Only the rich can truely afford to be Earth Friendly.

So, thanks for letting me vent and ramble!

[Michael Martin-Smith]

The growing calls for an end to Freedom and Democracy and for sacrifices to be made in order to combat climate change, lead me to fear the "Cure" more than the complaint.
Loss of freedom or Capitalism leads inevitably to dictatorship and hence to police Terror, unaccountable elitism, corruption, State rapacity, suppression of independent thought and mass murder. The siren calls for increased coercion, as the history of the past two centuries shows, leads without exception to such outcomes.
Global warming may - or may not- occur, may - or may not - be caused by Humans, and may - or may not kill some people one day .
Ideologically motivated dictatorship ( whether for Purity of Race, Class, or "The Planet") will without doubt lead to mass murder by incompetence or socially engineered famine. I prefer to trust to the cold and impersonal vagaries of Mother Nature than to power hungry wannabe despots wearing Brown, Red , or Green armbands, thank you very much. The fact that within decades we may just as well face an Ice Age is consolation only to connoisseurs of the Ironic!
People in ages past have practiced great sacrifices to maintain the Order of Nature or, in our terms, combat climate Change.
The Aztec Emperor Ahuitzotl sacrificed tens of thousands of conquered Amerindians to achieve this goal - and was rewarded by the arrival of the Conquistadores in the reign of his successor . What a joke that was...
As for the 8th century Mayan Prince of Tikal, Yikin Can Gaw'ill, his bloody sacrifices on his step pyramid did nothing to avert the cold indifference of his gods; the Big Drought came on regardless.
We would fare no better....

Ingenuity and enlightened self interest will avail us far better than oppressive taxation, regulation and imposed human sacrifice - but these offer nothing to those who would induce guilt in order to fasten an iron yoke around our necks.
You have been warned...

[Tom]

If we can use the environment as an excuse to cull management consultants, then I'm willing to put up with Leonardo DiCaprio.

[Gordon Pye]

The trouble is that some alleged eco groups destroy their credibility on their particular subject by double standards. They all appear to support the continued introduction of traffic calming, ( mini-roundabouts etc. ) which increases carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50%, likewise 20 Mph Zones ( without humps or chicanes ) which add to emissions by 10%.

[Katharine]

I work in the transport industry and we are one of the biggest contributors to the destruction of the earth. Problem is, as guilty as I feel, it's one of the few jobs where I make enough to be able to live on my own and not starve.
However, if western society started hardlining the way we should about climate change, that would probably put me out of a job, and I would be fine with that. The earth is worth more than whether or not I can afford to fly to England once a year and whether or not I can afford to eat in a restaurant once a month.

[I. Hegerty]

The obvious answer is banking. The other offenders are financed by the banks who only ask one question. Is there profit in this venture?
I think the banking industry should step-up and take responsibility, socially as well as environmentally, for decisions based solely on economic factors.

[Greg Dance]

its difficult to narrow down the chief suspects as all are guilty to some degree.
Perhaps it would be better to continue to amplify the need for all of us to practice best Earth husbandry practices.
Perhaps we could set it up a sanctuary somewhere, from the worst effects of humans.

[Tom O'Malley]

This is a bit vague. Obviously the use of oil is bad for the Earth, but seeing as an estimated 85% of the pollution associated with oil occurs at the consumer end should you not also include Transport? Marketing and Retail are the worst by far: no supply without demand.

[Tom O'Malley]

This is a bit vague. Obviously the use of oil is bad for the Earth, but seeing as an estimated 85% of the pollution associated with oil occurs at the consumer end should you not also include Transport? Marketing and Retail are the worst by far: no supply without demand.

[M Wright]

Its not your job that should be in question, its your whole way of life. Just having a job increases your impact on the environment. Especially if you are someone who drives themselves to work on their own, buys pre-packaged sandwiches and drinks bottled water.
For the latter, two, forget about recycling as you've already used up unnecessary energy in creating and delivering these products. Make your own sandwiches and drink from the tap. There! Your conscience feels better already.

[Frank Upton]

You should have included 'jet-travelling environmentalist living in huge mansion'.