Career options in Environmental Science

Ranjan K Baruah *

We have only one earth and we must protect it at any cost . We should know that we are using the equivalent of 1.6 Earths to maintain our current way of life, and ecosystems cannot keep up with our demands. Our lifestyles are associated with two thirds of all greenhouse gas emissions - studies show that sustainable lifestyles and behaviours could reduce our emissions by 40 to 70% by 2050.

Sustainable consumption and production can drive economic development, mitigate climate change, positively impact health and pollution, and help alleviate poverty – potentially increasing incomes by an average of 11% in low- and medium-income countries by 2060, and 4% in high-income countries.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year it is hosted by Sweden.

We are already worried due to climate change as it is bringing more questions than answers. One of the areas of studies for can be environmental science and we can think of engaging ourselves in the field of environmental science.

The year 1972 marked a turning point in the development of international environmental politics: the first major conference on environmental issues, convened under the auspices of the United Nations, was held from June 5-16 in Stockholm (Sweden).

Known as the Conference on the Human Environment, or the Stockholm Conference, its goal was to forge a basic common outlook on how to address the challenge of preserving and enhancing the human environment.

Students studying life sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, engineering, geography, social work, development studies may work in the field of environmental sciences. All those who work in the field of environment are called environmentalists.

Few career options for job areas in the field include environmental teacher, environmental technician, environmental educator, environmental scientist, environmental consultant, etc.

One may get jobs in government agencies like department of forest and environment and climate change, pollution control board, etc apart from teaching in colleges and universities.

There are also options in the field of law and journalism or content writings. Apart from government agencies one of the areas for placement are the Non Government Organisations and other research institutes. There are national and international agencies working in the field of environment where aspirants may get placement.

Environmental sciences also deals in wildlife management and activities related to combating climate change. Since the first celebration in 1973, World Environment Day has helped UNEP to raise awareness and generate political momentum around growing concerns, such as the depletion of the ozone layer, toxic chemicals, desertification and global warming.

The Day has developed into a global platform for taking action on urgent environmental issues. Millions of people have taken part over the years, helping drive change in our consumption habits, as well as in national and international environmental policy.

The day also reminds us that we can choose to work for the environment professionally for which we need academic qualification and other employability skills.