Articles > Environmental Science >聽What is environmental science?
Written by Camilla Andersson
Reviewed by Briana Houlihan, MBA, G-PM, Dean, College of General Studies
Are you curious to learn more about human interaction with the environment and how you might be able to turn your natural curiosity into a career? If so, you鈥檙e not alone. According to a 2023 report from the Burning Glass Institute, 鈥済reen鈥 jobs, especially those that rely on science, technology and math, are expected to proliferate and grow significantly in the coming years as the economy responds to environmental challenges such as climate change. An environmental science degree prepares you with skills to address sustainability, resource management, environmental risk reduction, climate adaptation, conservation, ecological restoration and urban planning 鈥 empowering you to lead impactful environmental initiatives. Learn more about this field and careers to consider.
Environmental science is a field of study focused on understanding the relationship between humans and the environment, including scientific and regulatory actions that can affect that relationship. This interdisciplinary field combines aspects of several areas. Some of them are:
Specialists in this field dedicate their careers to understanding environmental issues and the impact on natural and human communities. Projects and initiatives these specialists might work on include sustainability efforts; natural resource management; how to minimize environmental risks and mitigate harmful effects; climate adaptation; conservation; ecological restoration; and urban and environmental planning.
Some of the most common things they focus on are:
This field of study shares similarities with the academic field of environmental studies. The key difference lies in focus: While environmental science emphasizes understanding natural processes through scientific research and analysis, environmental studies centers on the societal and human dimensions of environmental protection. Environmental studies often address topics like developing and managing government policies, analyzing cultural and economic impact, and advocating for environmental justice and sustainable practices.
Environmental research published by scientists often extends beyond the scientific community. Governments may rely on it to inform policy decisions and create regulations. Lobbyists can use it to advocate for environmental protection. Nonprofit organizations may draw on this research to fundraise for environmental causes. Additionally, educational institutions use this research to enhance curricula and raise awareness, helping to inform the public about critical environmental issues.
In these ways and others, scientists can have broad influence, shaping not only policy and public opinion but also fostering a deeper understanding of environmental challenges.
Protecting and preserving the environment involves examining, remediating and managing areas related to ecological integrity. Environmental science encompasses multiple strategies to manage natural resources, minimize harm and promote sustainable practices. This diverse field includes efforts in conservation, ecological restoration, climate adaptation, natural resource management and urban planning. Environmental scientists often engage with professionals from various fields to develop solutions that support the environment. Some of the main strategies for environmental protection are:
Policies and regulations play a key role in environmental protection. While policies may be voluntary and nonbinding, their effectiveness increases when they are linked to incentives or penalties.
These policies often inspire new laws at various levels 鈥 local, national and even global. Some regulations directly affect industries and businesses, setting standards to ensure environmental protection. Examples of environmental regulations in the U.S. include:
Community-based environmental protection plays a role in addressing local environmental issues while promoting social equity. This approach often focuses on empowering communities, particularly marginalized groups, to act against environmental degradation and advocate for sustainable practices. Environmental justice seeks to ensure that all communities, regardless of their economic status or ethnicity, have equal protection from environmental hazards and access to resources.
Similarly, climate justice addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, advocating for fair policies that help these communities adapt to and mitigate climate-related risks. By involving local communities in decision-making, these efforts aim to create a more just and sustainable future for all.
If you鈥檙e considering careers in this field, chances are you already have an interest in environment, but what else do you need to prepare for a role in this field?
Environmental science is a dynamic field that invites people from all backgrounds to help solve urgent global challenges like climate change and pollution, offering opportunities to have a role in the future of our planet. Environmental science comprises occupations that are both independent and team oriented. To be an environmental scientist, you need curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for protecting the environment. The rewarding field combines scientific analysis, teamwork and creative thinking to address important challenges.
Some jobs require a bachelor鈥檚 degree in environmental science; others might require a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree (especially in leadership roles). It鈥檚 essential to have a well-rounded education with classes in biology, ecology and evolution, environmental laws and more. Other courses in STEM areas may also prove helpful.
Work environments vary depending on what job you choose to pursue. Many jobs in this field are with state or local governments, but there is a wide range of other work settings, including businesses, nonprofit organizations and academic institutions.
Some jobs involve fieldwork where you鈥檒l need to be physically fit and able to handle adverse weather. Other jobs are in offices where you work closely with others and need to have excellent interpersonal skills.聽
Internships or volunteer opportunities can help you gain relevant experience, especially in the beginning of your career. Licenses or certifications can also be advantageous and may be required for some job titles.
As of May 2023, environmental scientists and other specialists in this field earned between $48,580 and $133,660, with a median salary of $78,980, (BLS).
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 澳门天天彩开奖记录. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 澳门天天彩开奖记录 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Here are a few jobs in this field you may want to consider:
Environmental scientist: Seeks to understand the environment through scientific study, data, and policy or regulation recommendations. This can also be an umbrella term for people working in this field and can refer to various jobs.
Compliance investigator: Typically works for a government agency to ensure that companies follow specific environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental analyst: Gathers and studies environmental data, and also synthetizes this information to create reports and presentations.
Environmental compliance inspector: Monitors companies and other entities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and typically works for government agencies (for example, the EPA) and conducts site inspections.
Environmental consultant: Develops and assesses strategies to make processes and products more environmentally friendly.
Environmental planner: Develops plans for sustainable land use; for example, a construction project can minimize its impact on the environment with the right recommendations and planning.
Environmental protection specialist: Assesses environmental risks and develops strategies to manage or mitigate them.
Environmental specialist: A broad term for environmental professionals. Job responsibilities vary but can include investigations, reports, site inspections, regulation compliance and more.
Are you ready to learn essential skills to help prepare you for a role in this field? Enroll in the bachelor鈥檚 degree program in Environmental Science at 澳门天天彩开奖记录, where you鈥檒l learn career-relevant skills employers are looking for.
If you鈥檙e considering different options for your next academic degree, take a look at other 澳门天天彩开奖记录 programs in the liberal arts:
To learn how to enroll or how to save money and time on your degree, connect with an enrollment representative.
Camilla Andersson is a writer with a degree in journalism. She has written and edited content for trade magazines, blogs, white papers and newsletters. Camilla lives in Los Angeles and is a graduate of San Francisco State University. She grew up in Sweden, where she published her first work, an op-ed in the newspaper Aftonbladet, at the age of 15.
Briana Houlihan is the dean of the College of General Studies at 澳门天天彩开奖记录. For more than 20 years, Houlihan has strongly advocated for first-generation and underserved working learners. She has made it her mission to enhance the skills focus within general education coursework to bring value to undergraduate students from day one of their program.
This article has been vetted by 澳门天天彩开奖记录's editorial advisory committee.聽
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