By Ranjan K Baruah
The entire world is concerned about changes in weather pattern. The natural environment has degraded and new challenges have arisen for the living world. We must think about a solution and take action if we want to preserve and conserve our planet. One of the areas of study that can help us find a solution is environmental science.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences (including ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, oceanography, soil science, geology and physical geography, atmospheric science) to the study of the environment and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science emerged from the fields of natural history and medicine during the enlightenment. Today, it provides an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental systems.
Students can become environmental scientist after completing courses related to environmental science. Environmental scientists conduct research to identify, control or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards affecting the environment or public health. Many colleges and universities in India and abroad offer courses related to environmental sciences or related subjects. Several institutes and colleges in India these days offer both undergraduate and oost-graduate programmes in Environmental Science. One can go for BSc or a BE degree in Environmental Science. The minimum qualification required for this is 12th standard with Sscience subjects. The course duration is three years. After gradation one may go for masters degree and later PhD.
Some Environmental Science Institutes in India are Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), School of Environmental Sciences, New Delhi; University of Delhi, New Delhi; GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttar Pradesh; University of Mysore, Mysore; University of Pune, Pune, Gauhati University. There are deemed universities and research institutes in India and abroad which offer diplomas and advance diploma and certificate programme. Those interested to become environmental educator may join short-term courses.
Jobs vary from place to place. Aspirants may join government sectors like different research institutes, policy-making organisations etc. Many become teachers and professors. Some join the media as there are focuses on environmental journalism. One of the best career options is joining different non-governmental organisations focussing on environment issues.
Apart from working in own places of areas one may also explore international organisations for jobs. Few international organisations which take people from environmental science are Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Students may also participate in youth activities organised by international organisations like UNEP every year or every alternate year.
Apart from mere qualification one must have skills to be employed globally or in own places. Strong communication skills apart from writing skills and other skills are always important for getting placement. As global community is concerned about climate change and its impact so it brings more opportunity for the students studying environmental sciences.
(Ranjan K Baruah is a career mentor, skill trainer and motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected] or 8473943734 for any career related queries)