Sure of the Green Brigade

By Bibek Bhattarai

Being an environmentalist is emerging at a fast pace, paving way for an iconic career option. Its quest for fighting climate change has ushered vast opportunity for skilled professionals to work in ‘Green job sector’ in India and abroad.

These specialists are often called ‘Greenie’ or ‘Tree-hugger’ and have astonishingly attracted many people across diverse field with firm background in science. Over the past few decades, environmental studies have been regarded as one of the most coveted fields. Multi-career options have also mushroomed as it engulfs widely varied subjects like biology, botany, geology, agriculture, life science and many more.

Environmentalists work on green projects; make people understand in taking appropriate decisions for using limited natural resources, research to improve the environment, write persuading articles on nature and conduct campaigns to convey the message to the masses.

Need for environmentalists

Poor climate conditions, use of technological goods and heavy reliability on industries have worsened the global environment. Climate change, global warming, acid deposition, rise in sea water level, hazardous disposal are the prominent reasons that lead to the need for an environmentalist. His job is to observe and analyze how humans deal with the environment. This has spearheaded for creating huge demand for environmental specialists to research, educate, design and make policies to harness the natural resources with a firm grounding in both theoretical and practical aspects of environment.

For decades, environmental issues have been an intricate matter, a grave concern and a serious threat to mankind. The task of an environmentalist is obviously a challenging one as it takes into account diversified issues evolving from an ecosystem. In fact, it needs an outlook to study how people interact with the environment and the dire consequences resulting out of it. Environmentalists have become important due to their sound knowledge and understanding of science and technology, ecology, economics and even sociology.

Areas of specialization

Environmentalists work in a variety of careers related to the protection of natural resources. Environmentalists have a range of duties depending upon the area of specialization. Whatever type of environmentalist one wants to be, he/she should have a background in science. It’s not only necessary but also helpful. It helps in researching for scientific purposes, engineering, technical consultation, hazardous waste recycling and other technicalities.

Job prospects

An environmental career covers a wide range of occupations that are aimed at both local and global levels. The first step for entering this field involves gaining knowledge and proper training by being an intern or an associate in non-profit organization or being volunteers with environment protection agencies.

The jobs of environmentalists can be in the fields of pollution control, waste management, engineering, education, law, conservation, or fishery and wildlife management.

Major employers include mining companies, Government departments and councils, fisheries, and farming companies.

The vast career options that one can specialize in are:

• Environmental Engineer
• Environmental Scientists and specialists
• Researchers
• Education and Training
• Environmental Activism
• Tourism
• Planning International Issues
• Environmental Engineering Technician.

Eligibility criteria

A Bachelor degree in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry or Wildlife. For position in Government jobs, an MSc or higher degree in environmental science from a reputed University is necessary.

An ideal candidate holds either BSc or MSc in environmental studies or similar a degree at par with science.

Objectives

• To make people aware of economic use of sustainable resources
• To strike a balance between fields involving management of environment and its protection
• Monitor human activity and its impact upon the environment
• Research and analyze in the area of ecosystem management, natural resources and habitants
• Obtain grants and submit research proposals.

Remuneration

Top multi-disciplinary environmental science consultant can be paid in excess of $350,000 a year, while the average pay for an environmental engineer is $89,468. Other sources of income are from grants and research funding.

Where to study

• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• Anna University, Guindy, Chennai
• Cochi University of Science and Technology, Kochi
• Department of Environmental Biology, New Delhi