Can I opt for a career in environment?

Q. I am very fond of Nature. However, as science (physics and maths) is not one of my favourite subjects. Can I still opt for a career in environment?  — Amara Sen

A.Why not! Rising global temperatures, deforestation, overpopulation and all kinds of pollution have already pushed many species of birds, animals and plants into extinction. Several more are on the verge of disappearing.

To a large extent, it’s we humans who’ve created this imbalance. Hence, it is our responsibility to take immediate steps to enable the survival of endangered species, including our own.

Careers in Environmental Science are so varied it’s difficult to think of these as one single category. To work in this vast and varied field, you need to be passionately concerned about the environment and constantly explore what needs to be done to conserve and improve it.

If you have a logical mind, a working knowledge of subjects like geography, geology, botany, chemistry, zoology, and good communication skills, there are quite a few opportunities that will enable you to work as an environmentalist in the area that really interests you without actually studying environmental sciences per se.

Here are some specific careers paths that would be open to you:

Environmental Journalism: Environmental journalists/ photojournalists can actively pursue reporting environmental issues such as nuclear tests, construction of dams etc., making documentaries and films on various issues concerning the environment. Environmental Law: This would involve working as a lawyer for an environmental consulting firm, organisation, conservation group, or the government.

Environmental Data Analysts: These are data analysts who work with statistics and other raw data to produce digestible reports on the environment.

Environmental Activism & Social Work: This typically involves working with an NGO, fundraising/lobbying for an environmental organisation or conservation group by actively espousing environmental concerns. Don’t expect a fancy salary, but the work can be very satisfying and purposeful.

Nature Conservation Officer: This role involves promoting awareness of the natural environment, developing policy which may have local and national impact, and carrying out annual management plans based on ecological surveys and scientific observation.

Environmental Education & Communication: This typically involves conducting awareness programmes in colleges/schools, coordinating community awareness programmes – on rural and specific urban issues etc., communicating through the media — television, radio, internet, press etc.

Then there are specific and related areas such as environmental economics, advocacy, planning, tourism etc.

However, the majority of careers in Environmental Science are some blend in-between – which is also what makes this field so interesting. And meaningful!

— Pervin Malhotra  email your queries to [email protected]