What is the Scope of Studying Environmental Sciences?
Environmental science is sometimes also called environmental engineering. It is one of the most prominent fields of study that students opt for these days. The basic definition of environmental science consists of fields such as ecology, biology, chemistry, geology, and much more. It is an interdisciplinary field and that is because it consists of different aspects of social science as well as humanities too.
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Apart from studying the physical and biological aspects of different characteristics of the environment, this field also consists of certain cultural and social impacts that humans have made on the environment today. Hence, it is really important for students to delve into environmental science study to understand what factors affect the environment.
How to Define Environmental Science?
In order to know what is environmental science, one has to understand how it is different from environmental studies. Environmental science can be defined as a quantitative discipline that has aspects of both theoretical and applied science. This field is influential when it comes to informing the different policies of the government in safeguarding the environment all over the world. Environmental studies and environmental science have a lot of differences, the emphasis of which is on the human relationships with the current environment as well as the political and social dimensions pertaining to it.
Importance of Environmental Science
After understanding what is environmental science, students have to figure out its importance. Environmental science is crucial for the following reasons:
To figure out a more sustainable way of living.
Understanding the behaviour exhibited by organisms under some natural conditions.
Educating and making people aware of different environmental issues and problems.
Using natural resources in an effective manner without actually causing any harm to the environment.
Teaching human beings how important environmental conservation is for the rest of humanity.
There are some other branches of environmental science such as atmospheric science that deals with the atmosphere of the Earth. Ecology is another branch of environmental science that focuses on the interaction of organisms with our environment. It also teaches the impact of certain environmental factors such as water and air pollution on the environment.
Admission and Eligibility Into Environmental Science Colleges
One of the most important questions that students have about environmental science and studies is how to get admission to the colleges that have this particular course. For some of the undergraduate courses, the students have to pass their 12th examination and must have a combination of science subjects such as Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. However, for the post-graduate courses, students need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental studies or some fields related to that.
The admission of students happens on the basis of the marks that they have obtained in the examinations before that. Some colleges also tend to have other entrance examinations in order to grant admissions to the students.
Career and Scope of Environmental Science
It can be said without a single speck of doubt that the scope of studying the different types of environmental studies can actually have a lot of scope in the employment sector. Both the private as well as government sectors have their own list of reasons why individuals with a degree in environmental science are important for their organizations.
Environmental science is basically a branch where students will be able to find different ways to protect our environment with the reliable utility of resources. So, individuals have a wide range of opportunities in their careers. They can apply for the roles of environmental engineers, environmental biologists, environmental scientists, environmental journalists, and much more.
These roles are influential in fertilizer plants, mines, dying industries, textile industries, food processing units, and many other areas. So, the students can have a lot of opportunities to choose from. They can look for work in these organizations which will hire them in a snap. The students having a higher degree in environmental science can actually apply to universities and colleges to teach others about environmental science.
Salary Scope and Pay Scale
The salary scope of someone who has a degree in the different components of environmental studies is also pretty high. Students are wanted all over India in different sectors of private and government organizations. These organizations are willing to pay them a very huge amount in order to figure out the resources for safeguarding the environment. The salary of the individual depends on the qualification
Conclusion
Environmental science is a pretty lucrative field that has a lot of career opportunities for students. Apart from that, students will be able to study the subjects and find out new ways to preserve the environment in resourceful and effective ways.
FAQs on Environmental Science
1. What is Environmental Science?
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary academic field that systematically studies the environment and the solutions to environmental problems. It integrates principles from physical sciences (like physics, chemistry, geology) and biological sciences (like ecology, biology) to understand the complex interactions within the Earth's systems. It also incorporates social sciences to understand human impacts and policy-making.
2. Why is the study of Environmental Science considered crucial in the 21st century?
The study of Environmental Science is crucial today because it provides the scientific foundation to address the world's most pressing challenges. These include climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion. By understanding these issues, scientists can develop sustainable solutions, inform public policy, and guide humanity towards a healthier relationship with the planet.
3. What are the main components studied within Environmental Science?
Environmental Science studies the four major components of the environment and their interactions:
Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth.
Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Lithosphere: The Earth's solid crust, including rocks, soil, and landforms.
Biosphere: All living organisms on Earth, from microbes to plants and animals, and their interactions with the other spheres.
4. How does Environmental Science differ from Ecology?
While related, Environmental Science and Ecology have different focuses. Ecology is a sub-discipline of biology that specifically studies the interactions between organisms and their environment. Environmental Science is a broader, interdisciplinary field that includes ecology but also integrates chemistry, geology, and social sciences to understand environmental problems and find human-centric solutions. Essentially, ecology is a component of the larger field of environmental science.
5. What are some key branches or fields that constitute Environmental Science?
Environmental Science is highly interdisciplinary and draws from numerous fields. Some of its key branches include:
Environmental Chemistry (studying chemical pollutants)
Environmental Biology and Ecology (studying living organisms and ecosystems)
Atmospheric Sciences (studying climate and air quality)
Geosciences (studying soil, water, and geological processes)
Environmental Engineering (designing solutions for pollution control)
Social Sciences (analysing policy, economics, and human behaviour related to the environment)
6. What role does Environmental Science play in solving real-world problems like pollution and climate change?
Environmental Science plays a direct and vital role in tackling real-world problems. For instance, in combating pollution, it helps identify the source and type of pollutants, study their effects on ecosystems and health, and develop technologies for control and remediation. In addressing climate change, it provides the data and models to understand global warming, predict its impacts, and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies like renewable energy and carbon capture.
7. Who is considered the father of Environmental Science and what was his key contribution?
While many have contributed significantly, Dr. Rex N. Olinares is often cited as a key figure or "father" in the field. His primary contribution was emphasising the critical link between sanitation and hygiene and environmental health. He proposed that improper sanitation is a major cause of environmental pollution and the spread of microorganisms, laying foundational principles for environmental health and management.
8. What are some of the major career paths for a graduate in Environmental Science?
A degree in Environmental Science opens up diverse career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Graduates can work as:
Environmental Scientists or Consultants, assessing environmental impacts for companies.
Conservation Scientists, managing natural resources for government agencies or NGOs.
Environmental Policy Analysts, helping shape environmental laws and regulations.
Sustainability Officers, working within corporations to improve their environmental footprint.
Environmental Educators, raising public awareness.
