The Sustainable Futures Showcase
Ever wondered what sustainability has to do with construction, finance, even education? Every job can play a role in bringing our world back to life.
Join our live webinars this March with special guests exploring their career pathways and ask your burning questions.
Watch Our FREE Career Webinars
Between Monday 3rd and Thursday 6th March 2025, during National Careers Week, WWF hosted five free webinars exploring various careers and their links to sustainability. Guests included TV presenter and architect Kevin McCloud, TV pharmacist Thorrun Govind, representatives from the John Lewis Partnership, and a range of WWF staff.
Each webinar lasted 45 minutes, giving students the opportunity to ask our guests questions about their careers.
Aimed at 13–18-year-olds, the webinars were delivered via Zoom and recorded for later viewing
See below for all the webinar recordings.
Health and Wellbeing Careers
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles and how sustainability plays a part.
Guest speakers:
Thorrun Govind, Pharmacist, TV Health Expert
William Baldwin-Cantello, Director of Nature Based Solutions, WWF-UK
Adele New, Art Room Team Lead, Place2Be
Conservation Careers
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles and how sustainability plays a part.
Guest speakers:
Naomi Arnold, Restoration Forth Project Manager, WWF Scotland
Charlie Cutt, UK Wholescape Senior Programme Manager, WWF-UK
Rebecca May, Senior Programme Advisor Asian Big Cats, WWF-UK
Business - 3pm, Tuesday 4th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles and how sustainability plays a part.
Guest speakers:
Camilla Lawson, Ethics and Sustainability Specialist - Environment and Food Waste, John Lewis Partnership
Ben Thomas, Senior Environment Manager, John Lewis Partnership
Gwilym Pugh, Founder, Planet Protection
Education and Science Communication - 3pm, Wednesday 5th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles and how sustainability plays a part.
Guest speakers:
Jacqui Sellers, Science Teacher and Mental Health Lead, Weydon School
Marc Tench, Sustainable Schools Manager, Leicester City Council
Construction and Eco Architecture - 3pm, Thursday 6th March 2025
Join our guest speakers and industry experts to hear about their career journeys and how they got to where they are now. Learn more about their job roles and how sustainability plays a part.
Guest speakers:
Kevin McCloud, TV Presenter, Architect and Writer
Jenny Colville, Head of Sustainability, LandSec
Finn Harries, Designer and Researcher
Sustainable Futures Showcase 2025 Winners
After a tough selection process by WWF staff, we’re thrilled to introduce the brilliant young winners of this year’s Sustainable Futures Showcase — and the creative ideas they’re using to help people connect more with nature through the careers they care about. We hope their ideas inspire you to think big, take action, and imagine your own path to a greener future.
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© Unsplash florencia viadanaMore Moira: Using the influencing power of librarians.
I've always been interested in becoming a librarian, and due to it's personal, face to face aspect of the role, it would allow me to raise awareness about the importance of nature in our society on a broader, deeper level. I'd do this through small competitions (similar to this one), where there are set goals to achieve. For example if they collect one black bin bag of litter, they can redeem it for a book they can keep, or if they volunteer for a specified number of hours, they can "cash in" for a prize.
I'd also have posters decorating my library, bringing awareness to topics like endangered animals, plants and poorer areas around the world, who are suffering from a lack of medicine, food etc and how we, on a personal level, can help them. This would be through, financial and item donations to charities, and events that are raising money for said charities. These could include cake sales, reading events and book signings among others.
All ways to support these events would be free, with the financial donations being up to the individual's discretion, which allows the entire community the opportunity to become involved, and make a difference in today's world. Any donations over a set amount to a charity would get a customised, gold plaque next to an eye-catching book display which would be set up in the entrance, with books to raise awareness concerning issues around the world, for all ages. This can include books such as "I AM MALALA" and "The Diary of Anne Frank" for adults, and the "Wild Friends" series by the WWF for younger children. -
© Alex Mustard / naturepl.comMore Maya: Marine Biology to connect people with marine eco systems.
In a career as a marine biologist, I would help people connect with nature by giving them a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the vital role they play in our planet.. Through research, conservation efforts, and public engagement, I would merge scientific knowledge and public awareness, inspiring people to appreciate and protect the wonder that is the ocean.
One way I would achieve this is through education and outreach. By leading beach cleanups, organizing guided snorkelling or diving tours, and giving talks at schools or community events to encourage the younger generations, I could provide first hand experiences that allow people to witness marine life up close and spark passion. These interactions create a personal connection with marine life and ecosystems, making conservation efforts feel more urgent and relevant.
Another important aspect of marine biology is research and by studying marine species and ecosystems, I could contribute to scientific discoveries that delve into the beauty and fragility of the ocean. Sharing these findings through articles and documentaries, would make marine science accessible to a wider audience, encouraging people to care about pressing issues like coral bleaching, overfishing, and plastic pollution.
I would be able to advocate for sustainable practices, such as marine protected areas or responsible fishing regulations. By involving local communities in conservation projects, I could help them develop sustainable livelihoods while protecting the marine environment, fostering a long-term connection between people and the ocean.
Ultimately, my goal as a marine biologist would be to inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility toward the ocean, showing people that protecting marine life isn’t just about science; it’s about preserving the naturally world for future generations. -
© Patty BritoMore Phoebe: Nursing fit for people and planet!
I am interested in nursing which isn't a sector that has a large focus on sustainability but there are many ways that it can be improved to reduce its environmental impact. For example, the greenspaces in hospitals in the UK are fairly limited and the chance to go outside and enjoy nature is essential for someone’s mental wellbeing. Even if the greenspace is provided, it is important that it is accessible to everyone within a hospital, especially as some people don't have local family or friends nearby to take them outside.
I think it would be important to encourage volunteers to take patients outside to enjoy the fresh air, including those doing work experience. But this isn't just an issue within the UK, it should be tackled on a global scale. Obviously I understand that funding is already an issue within the NHS but if creating new greenspaces isn't a possibility, organising trips to existing ones could be. They could be volunteer run and we could ensure that they are accessible to all, these trips would be especially important for terminally ill patients. Its also important to reduce the waste caused by hospitals.
For example, we should be encouraging the sterilisation of medical equipment, using things such as ultraviolet radiation, rather than the disposing of it. Its also important that within peoples time spent in a hospital, that we encourage the use of reusable water-bottles and food containers. Understandably, often visits to hospitals can be stressful, so for on occasions where using sustainable packaging isn't a possibility, suitable recycling facilities could be implemented and visitors should be encouraged to recycle where they can. Raising awareness about how to recycle correctly and the correct use of bins around the hospital would also be essential. Thank you for reading my entry. -
© Maverick Photo AgencyMore Jessica: conservation through community power!
My chosen job role to help connect people with nature would be a conservation community project coordinator.
I would run conservation projects within my community, before expanding into other areas. These projects would include activities for volunteers such as litter picking, tree planting, habitat restoration and more. Working together within communities would strengthen bonds, helping to drive a desire within participants to take more care of the environment. These projects would also educate volunteers on their local ecosystems, helping them to discover the natural beauty hidden amongst the busy urban landscape.
Spending time in nature is really beneficial for both physical and mental health. These projects would provide an escape for many, as a large proportion of people in cities don’t have access to a green space. It would also encourage physical activity and the ability to socialise with others. The impacts of this would certainly be felt amongst participants, so not only would they be enjoying nature and wildlife, their wellbeing would improve.
After running a conservation project, I would encourage participants to take part in citizen science activities, so they can discover for themselves the true impact of their actions. By conserving local green spaces it would improve their overall condition, encouraging others to visit them and have a positive experience amongst nature.
Throughout our projects, I would also be educating volunteers on the natural systems we are supporting and why it is so important. Eventually, after several projects were run, we would nominate a community champion who would support running future projects so I could continue this work in other areas. This means that my work would reach a wider audience and benefit different areas, so even more people would be connected with nature and feel compelled to continue protecting the environment, making this a sustainable project. -
© Dreaming Fish Productions Limited / WWF-UKMore Chelsea: Nurturing care for our planet through Education.
An inspirational quote from Jane Goodall, "Only if we understand, can we care." Our next generation bursts with innovation and passion, but some might have a harder time communicating those ideas. As a future primary school teacher, I intend to help children develop their love and understanding for sustainability and nature, enriching them with meaningful activities that allow creativity to sprout. Nature surrounds all of us, so why aren't schools utilising it more to their advantage?
We could implement a system similar to a learning calendar, so students can freely explore a big question every single day about animals, plants, fungi, and so much more. For example, How are rocks different? - The students could develop this in any way they like. They could create an experiment to test how rocks vary in 2 locations, sketch out rock patterns, or simply take a photo of variations. To spike interest, it has to stem from what they already like. Football, dance, singing, reading - use their passions to our advantage, and slowly integrate nature with it. Teachers can offer support and help expand their ideas even further, answering or raising any questions to engage children in their explored topic.
To encourage consistency, schools can offer opportunities or rewards like eco-packaged snacks to classes with the best ideas, where they would then be offered a chance to go on day trips into the woods, further deepening their connection with nature. We need to give children the chance to get curious, disconnected from devices. This will improve the way they approach education overall, and their openness to change. Dynamic opportunities will greatly impact how they will see the beauty of nature, and I want to assist them with this every step of the way. -
© jwvaneck / UnsplashMore Jasmeen: Architecture, the bridge between people and Nature.
Architecture has the power to influence and shape human experiences, and when carefully designed, I believe it can serve as a bridge between people and nature. This can be achieved by integrating natural elements, sustainable materials, and immersive design within buildings, which can create spaces that encourage interaction with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
One way I would like to achieve this is by blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This can be through large glass walls, retractable doors, and open courtyards, all of which allow natural light, fresh air, and outdoor sounds to permeate built environments. This aids in creating a seamless transition between constructed spaces and nature, making it easier for people to engage with their surroundings. Additionally, incorporating biophilic design elements such as living walls, green roofs, and organic materials like wood and stone can bring the essence of nature into everyday spaces even further by allowing one to feel even more immersed in nature in their day-to-day life.
In addition, framing natural landscapes within an architectural design is another powerful approach to connecting people to nature. For example, windows, terraces, and pathways can be strategically positioned to highlight scenic views, encouraging people to pause and appreciate their environments, or reflective surfaces, such as water features and glass facades, can further enhance the presence of nature by mirroring the surrounding landscape and further implementing one into nature.
Though encouraging outdoor interaction is essential, designing using sustainability, such as passive solar heating, rainwater/irrigation systems harvesting, and wildlife-friendly construction, can create buildings that not only exist in nature but also support and enhance it. Which, ultimately, can inspire people to spend more time outdoors, fostering a stronger connection to the environment and encouraging sustainable behaviours that help preserve it for future generations. -
© naturepl.com / David Tipling / WWFMore Jenna: Biological Oceanography: Connecting People with the Sea.
In the future I want to be a biological oceanographer, they study the number of marine organisms and how they interact with their environment. I think that people could connect with nature by adopting marine creatures and receiving little teddies of their chosen marine creature, as well as an interactive booklet to teach people about their marine creature.
For example a booklet on jellyfish could contain a tutorial on how to make a jellyfish out of an old recycled plastic bottle, and interesting facts which are also easy to digest for children. For example some types of jellyfish can become younger and turn into a baby from an adult at temperatures which are too hot or cold.
The booklet should also include simple ways that you can improve the quality of marine life for example recycling which is also emphasised by simple crafts using recycled materials. This booklet could also be made into different languages so it's accessible for different countries, meaning more people are able to connect with nature. -
© Domino Studio / UnsplashMore Madison: Connecting with Nature through Environmental Consultancy…
As I progress through my A-levels, I have become more and more fond of studying the world of geography.
As of now, my chosen career is an environmental consultant which would enable me to help people connect with nature as I would aid companies to think about the impacts they have on the environment and ways to become more greener. Consequently, this would aid their consumers to start being more mindful about their environmental policies, overall enabling people to think more about the consequences their actions have on nature, and as a result, helping people connect with nature.
In addition, environmental consultants also make people more aware of nature around them as they aim to make green policies. As a result, people will become more aware of environmental issues they were not previously aware of and so consequently might opt to make chosen with nature in mind, which therefore shows their connectedness with nature.
One final way that I could help people become more connected with nature is by producing more sustainable and affordable means of disposal. It is a common issue that many countries make citizens pay for their rubbish to be recycled - which deters people from recycling. By making recycling free, or adding incentives to recycling (as seen in many European countries such as Germany) more people will chose to recycle, opting to connect with nature as they seek to do what is better for the environment, instead of what is better for their wallets.
Through these processes, as an environmental consultant I would be able to help aid people to connect with nature. -
© Benjamin Merkle / UnsplashMore Julia: Architecture That Inspires: Looking at & Living with Natur…
In the future, I would like to work in Architecture. In my job, I could include lots of windows in my designs to encourage people to appreciate the world outside, perhaps motivating them to go and experience it in real life. I could also incorporate a variety of garden spaces in my designs, utilising balconies and roofs in big city settings, or simply leaving plenty of room for a garden in less urban areas.
This would encourage my clients to work outside, with plants, and whether it be a little vegetable patch, pollinator station, or neat rows of flowers for pure aesthetics, they would be connecting with nature regularly. I would do the same inside, leaving plenty of space for a vast amount of indoor potted plants.
To promote inhabitants to go fully outside, I could use my privilege of decorating their space to my advantage, filling the walls with artworks of nature. Photographs of national parks, paintings of landscapes, botanical illustrations and not just plants, photographs and paintings of animals found in the wild in the areas my clients live in too. Looking at these everyday would hopefully make them want to experience these places and things in real life, and go on a trip to visit, maybe even more than once.
Coming back to gardens again, I could install huge windows or glass doors into rooms and homes with a connection to the garden. Once again, hopefully, looking at nature so often will influence people to go outside and spend some time there. For which it is important to make sure there is an abundance of greenery in the garden. Unfortunately, nowadays, I see more and more paved gardens, so I would work closely with designers to include lots of grass, plants and trees into spaces of all sizes. -
© Daniel Wu / UnsplashMore Lucy. W: Nature Is Here Too: Urban Ecology for All
I would like to be an urban ecologist. Cities are often viewed as lacking nature, or at least being inferior to the countryside in terms of biodiversity. This leads to many people who live in cities, and particularly those who grow up in cities feeling disconnected from nature and like it is not something for them.
As an urban ecologist I would like to change this by firstly running wildlife tours of urban areas. I would run these tours in areas with the fewest green and blue spaces to target people who have the least access to nature and to prove that nature is found everywhere in cities, even the most unlikely places. This would encourage people to look for nature in their everyday lives and to see that it can be for people like them. Furthermore, I would focus these tours not just on wildlife, but on how nature links to other themes such as local history, positive wellbeing and mindfulness and local culture in order to engage people who may not be traditionally interested in nature or feel like it is something for them. In order to increase access for people who may not otherwise be able to afford to go to events such as tours, the tours would be pay what you can (including nothing). The tours would be wheelchair accessible and adaptable to other accessibility requirements.
Secondly, I would focus projects that I work on to create green/blue spaces and biodiversity surveying in areas with the fewest green and blue spaces and therefore least access to nature. This would not only allow access to nature to be improved in these areas, but I would also encourage the local community to get involved with the surveying, which would further increase local access and connection to nature. -
© Tammy TaabassumMore Lucy.B: The Sustainable Kitchen & Community Hub
For my chosen career, I will be talking about running a sustainable kitchen. Whilst I understand this is not an everyday career, I believe it could be an amazing way to connect people with nature. Firstly, connecting people with nature via the food that would be served: nourishing plant-based meals, made with locally grown produce, and for non-vegan options, eggs will also be served, which will be from local farms.
This will mean that customers are having meals good for them and the environment, and since restaurants are a huge contributor to food waste, steps will be taken, such as donating left-over food to food banks, or serve leftovers for free to those in need. I think a brilliant way to connect people with nature through this career would be to have an outdoor garden for the kitchen. Firstly, in this garden, employees or other volunteers/ customers could have the chance to grow food, which can be then consumed by those who help, or sold in the front of the shop- although the latter is unrealistic considering the yield of crops will be about enough for those involved.
During the day, it would be interesting to run the kitchen as a local hub for green activities, e.g. green campaign planning, a bird feeder making workshop, etc., and for the kitchen to also run activities itself to connect people with nature- e.g. nature walks where anyone can spend time in nature and learning about nature, with a stop at the end for some warming seasonal stew from the kitchen, or yoga in the outdoor garden finishing with a nourishing bowl of porridge, etc. As there will be an outdoor kitchen, another way to earn money could be to rent this during closing hours, for example for gatherings and BBQs. -
© Volodymyr Hryshchenko / UnsplashMore Megan: Conservation Communicator: Storytelling that Transforms
I want to be a Conservation Communicator, working in vulnerable areas to actively include local voices: understanding community perspectives to empower connection with nature and bring about positive change.
Unfortunately, many places where people are vulnerable due to conflict, displacement or poverty are also where nature is most threatened. I know that access to formal education in developing areas can be limited, so I want to partner with communities to create storytelling that conveys complex scientific ideas and important messages about conservation that are accessible to all, changing behaviour across generations.
Having grown up in Vietnam, I have witnessed the illegal wildlife trade firsthand. The trade is mostly motivated by traditional beliefs about the false medicinal value of animal products for example, moon bears are caught and caged in appalling conditions to extract bile, and rhino horns are poached as a cure for cancer. These damaging claims are passed down through urban myths, resulting in devastating impacts on nature.
To change the behaviour driving these destructive practices, we must change the narratives that inspire them. I believe these new narratives should come directly from the communities and be implemented in partnership. For this to be sustainable, I would contextualize my approach to understand specific conservation and human issues of an area and work closely with local organisations to create relevant and inspiring theatre. Working with schools would be integral to inspire change in youth, but what is amazing about theatre is its accessibility, as it breaks the barriers that restrict older generations from engaging with messages that may be scientifically complex and diverge from tradition. I feel community theatre and storytelling can advocate compelling, memorable messages, combining scientific education with stories that appeal to emotions, to showcase the importance of a community’s role in preserving nature.
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© Uitbundig / UnsplashMore Medha: Lessons in nature through Architectural design
Architectural design for a sustainable school
Melding together nature-inspired design and accessibility, the school incorporates slopes wherever possible as opposed to stairs, taking inspiration from the gradients of the natural world. At the heart of the ring of classrooms lies a courtyard with a pond, presided over by a board detailing the various pond-dwelling species. This is surrounded by a seating area, winding paths and unmown grass, to enable the school community to come together and interact, as well as facilitating outdoor learning to engage students with nature.
The garden, situated close to the kitchen to allow students to make links between nature and the food on their plate, is complete with oak raised beds, vertical growing spaces, a greenhouse and shed, alongside a wormery and composting area to demonstrate sustainable practices for managing food waste.
The library constructed outside the main building provides a quiet retreat for students to observe nature through the large, rounded windows; by overlooking this area planned for forest regeneration where students have planted trees, a sense of responsibility and long-term mindset can be fostered.
A safe place for bird observation is placed at the top of the low-rise library, accessed by the sloping roof that gradually rises from ground level, fenced on all sides with bars to grip onto. Wooden benches allow students to choose to sit or stand, looking out into the growing forest.
Leading to the front entrance is a dedicated cycle lane and walking path, and a road to the back entrance for those with accessibility needs and other uses. They are completely composed of recycled plastic and lined with diverse plant life, trees, bushes, flowers - enhancing the wellbeing of students and the wider community, who can meet and greet in peace, while also promoting sustainable travel and nature connection.
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© John Mark ArnoldMore Hannah: Therapy in Bloom: Nature, Connection, and Care
I have always been interested in psychology, as well as the benefits of nature towards mental health. In the future, I would love to be a therapist and help people whilst incorporating nature into my job. Due to the numerous scientific articles on the importance of time in nature to boost well-being, and my own personal experiences, I would base my job around nature in the following ways:
I would conduct therapy sessions outdoors, in parks, woodlands, or near water, as being in nature boosts serotonin, helps with depression and encourages relaxation and feeling grounded. I would take clients on walks outside, as walking helps regulate emotions, and enhances focus. To make this as inclusive as possible, I would use wheelchair-friendly paths and sensory gardens. If outdoor therapy is not possible, or is overwhelming, then I would incorporate nature into my office with plants, nature sounds and natural art pieces. Of course, I would also have a therapy dog to help reduce stress and anxiety, and help with physical regulation and social interaction.
Furthermore, I would create a plan with clients on how they can spend time outside daily. For example, I would encourage clients to take their coffee outside, watch the sunset, or do some gardening, as even five minutes outside will help with overall well-being.Finally, I would guide clients through mindful nature activities. This could include meditation outside, journalling in natural surroundings, and creating natural art pieces through drawing, photography or poetry. Through this I could tailor sessions to what clients need/ enjoy. Additionally, I would recognise cultural and spiritual differences in connecting with nature, and incorporate diverse traditions like equinox gatherings.
To conclude, I would use nature as the centre of my therapy practice, as it helps with happiness, reducing anxiety and promoting physical activity. -
© Luke Jones / UnsplashMore Sophie: Nature as Medicine
I want to be a doctor, and I believe wholeheartedly that helping patients and healthcare professionals with access to nature will improve their mental health and encourage their connection to the outdoors. Living in Cornwall means that we have easier access to beautiful beaches and wildlife, and I would encourage colleagues to take time out of their hectic schedules and visit the countryside.
At my local hospital, there is a 'nature garden' which is used for patients to take time out and reflect on how they're doing. The atmosphere in the garden is always vibrant; I would add an accessible path, and try to encourage wildlife to enter the garden, because I know that the children, and their families, there would appreciate seeing animals, meeting with their friends, and having somewhere to connect with nature, which they can't do as often in the hospital.
When I did work experience at a GP surgery, I found that many adults are lonely and feel isolated down in Cornwall. If introduced to Goonown Growers, a local organisation which helps adults to get outdoors, This would help people to connect with nature, boost wellbeing and support a community through growing produce and eating it together.
I know from personal experience that a run on the coastal path, or a hike on Bodmin Moor allows me to think clearer and make better decisions. It would be good to arrange a run-club and advertise on social media, to get healthcare professionals to prioritise their mental-health and get outdoors, or a walking/sustainability group for those who aren't able to run, patients could get involved too! We could put up bird boxes, or beach cleans! A beach picnic to celebrate everyone's hard work would be a great way to get people to join in!
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