One of the biggest problems that the world is struggling with today is environmental degradation, which is increasing relentlessly with every passing year and is a source of mammoth damage to planet earth. Paradoxically, environmental degradation is questioning our civilisation and the development outlook. Extensive and injudicious use of natural resources and energy has created cumulative pressures on the global ecosystem. This problem will be aggravated further if adequate actions are not taken. But as it is said, every problem creates a host of opportunities; similarly, environmental problems too have given rise to job opportunities in this field.
Governments are facing challenges in finding specialists who can help them prepare Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, whereas corporates are avidly looking for professionals with expertise in environmental consulting. There are mainly two basic stimuli for high employment opportunities in this domain: problem recognition and problem resolution. Recognising environment degradation as a crisis and finding solutions for it, is the government’s top priority. The demand for environmental professionals is at an all- time high across the globe.
The job responsibilities of an environmental consultant revolve around three principal areas:
- Environmental research — Consultancies related to understanding and explaining how human actions affect other living beings and their environment. With increase in public awareness, there is tremendous scope for research and development. They are in demand as most industries have a separate research and developmental section.
- Environmental engineering — It focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality in every aspect. Consultancy for green businesses such as green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon footprints are incorporated. The design and construction of green buildings hold enormous job potential. They account for just 3% of all buildings being constructed in India at present. Since 75% of the buildings that will exist in 2030 are yet to be built, this will provide increased job opportunities in this segment.
- Environmental science — Understanding the business of environmental sustainability and accordingly advise the government, industrialists, and policymakers is the core objective of these professionals. They are employed by mines, fertilizer plants, textile and dying industry, food processing units, and so on. NGOs are growing in strength in issues related to the environment. They work towards maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity and wasteland management, and the preservation of natural resources.
Qualifications
Someone who wants to become an ecologist should have a strong science background, especially in subjects such as botany, zoology, economics, climatology, mathematical modelling, geology, forestry, oceanography, meteorology and environmental science. Majority of the job positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in science, and it is often beneficial to have a master’s degree. A PhD is necessary for those who wish to teach in colleges and universities.
One can pursue different courses, degree or diploma in environmental science. A few major courses are:
- B. Sc. in environmental science
- B. Tech in environmental engineering
- M. Sc. in environmental science
- M. Tech in environmental science and technology or environmental engineering
- Short-term courses or diploma in pollution control, EIA, rainwater harvesting, lead auditor and so on.
- PhD in environmental science, environmental technology or environmental engineering
Some niche job positions for degree or diploma holder in environmental science are urban ecologist, forest ecologist, marine ecologist, restoration ecologist, wildlife ecologist, environmental biologist, environmental aesthetics, and so on.
Skills
The main attribute required for an environmental professional is love and understanding for nature, sharp observation skills and the ability to correlate nature with culture and lifestyle. Other skills include:
- Adaptability to a range of different working modes and environments
- Good computer and math skills.
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Ability to gather and interpret data
- Good IT skills and knowledge of software
- Effective communication and presentation skills
- Physical stamina to withstand fieldwork under rough conditions and a teamwork spirit to pursue tasks
Career prospects
Experts estimate 8,000 to 10,000 green jobs have been opening up each year for the past 10 years. These are not just in purely green businesses but also in big companies, which have launched green initiatives. Many cement companies, for instance, have an environment control department and a geocycle department, which deal with sustainable solutions for industrial waste. The environment management department coordinates with the heads of various plants on matters related to the environment, climate change and sustainability. After pursuing a suitable degree, candidates can choose a position according to qualification and potential.
A fresher can get a starting salary in the range of ₹15,000 - 20,000 and up to ₹70, 000 after getting an experience of three to four years. Apart from earning good money, an environmentalist always works for the betterment of nature and conservation of natural resources, including biodiversity. Though interesting and vast, there is an urgent need to promote this stream. It will not only create employment for the youth, but also be a milestone in environmental conservation and protection. The job prospects are good in the overseas market as well.
The writer is an educationist, earth scientist, and advisor to government departments.
