Now more than ever, it is important to understand our natural environment and the effect we have on it. Climate change, as well as more stringent legislation regarding pollution and the preservation of vulnerable ecosystems, are also making this a worthwhile, well-paid career in Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world.
Earth sciences include the study of the atmosphere, bodies of water, geology, environmental chemistry, and ecology. In practical terms, economics and social sciences are also included to provide a broader context to an environmental scientist's work.
The main objective of environmental studies and earth sciences is to understand problems like deforestation, pollution, degradation of farmland, and global warming. This is with a view to proposing both large-scale solutions and local mitigation efforts.
Earth sciences students tend to have an interest in the sciences, a love for the natural world, and an empirical, evidence-based approach to data. Their duties may at various times be performed in an office, laboratory, or out in the field. Being comfortable in the outdoors is therefore an advantage.
