Episode Four: How to Save the World (EHO Knows)
Be the Fix
Made as a companion to Episode Four of the EHO Knows podcast. Listen today:
Across school courtyards, social feeds, and protest lines, a generation is speaking out. Today’s young people are more politically aware and environmentally engaged than ever before sharing climate infographics, marching in student strikes, and calling out systemic failure in a thousand different ways. But while the passion is there, many are asking the same question: “What difference can I really make?”
Episode 4 of EHO Knows explores that very question through the lived experience of Ariana Johnson an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in training who found a career that turns her passion into power.
The little Guy
It’s no secret that younger generations are more tuned in to the world’s problems not just because they see the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution but despite their awareness, many feel powerless, stuck watching the world unravel across a hundred news channels and social feeds. Most know something’s wrong. But they don’t always know where to begin.
Meanwhile Environmental Health Officers rarely make the headlines (unless something has gone wrong). They’re not influencers or frontbench politicians. But they are the reason beaches are safe to swim in, restaurant meals aren’t a biohazard, and local drinking water won’t give you a parasite. Ariana didn’t come across environmental health in a school presentation or a careers expo. She found it through a bit of luck and a push from her mum.
Secretly Save the World
Once Ariana stepped into the role however everything clicked: science, fieldwork, public service, community impact. She went from a young person frustrated by the world’s inertia to someone actively improving their own community; one inspection, one water sample, one resolved complaint at a time. And that’s the story the profession needs to tell.
Ariana puts it best: “If people don’t see me, it means everything’s going well.” But that quiet success, while noble, also hides the profession from the public eye The danger? You become invisible. Not just to the media but to the very people you need to carry this work forward. The industry is aging. Workforce shortages are growing. Councils across the country are struggling to fill roles with skilled professionals. Meanwhile, a generation of smart, passionate, environmentally driven young people is looking for meaningful work and they probably think EHO is short for ‘food inspectors’.
The Role of EHOs
These are the kids who refused to go to class because the climate was collapsing. Who share articles about heatwaves and outbreaks between classes, or like Ariana, who write letters to ministers before they learn to drive. Part of the reason for EHO Knows is because it’s time to tell the stories of this industry; at schools, in communities, and online because a generation stuck between caring deeply and not knowing what to do next, that’s the message they need to hear from you.
Episode 4: How to Save the World
In a break from the usual case-based format, Shane sits down with the enthusiastic and passionate Ariana Johnson to explore what makes being an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) such a unique and rewarding career, especially for younger professionals entering the field. Ariana’s energy and enthusiasm bring a fresh perspective to the profession, making it clear why so many people find it so rewarding.
Whether you’re a current EHO, a student considering career paths, or an employer looking to attract young talent, this episode is packed with insights on keeping the industry thriving for years to come.
