Environmental geniuses: I want to enter the environmental field, where do I start?
Answer:
Well if you specifically want to work on global warming, you'll probably want to study climatology. I'm an environmental scientist and would love to work on something global warming related, but that's not a field with a lot of jobs. Basically you're either a climatologist studying global climate change, or some sort of engineer designing new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Really the only way to fight global warming is to convince politicians to put limits on greenhouse gas emissions. You can try to do that with scientific research, but if they're not convinced by the science now, the science may never convince them.
If you want to go into an environmental field that's not necessarily global warming related, there are a lot of topics you can study. Geology, environmental science, environmental science, policy, and management (ESPM), and environmental engineering, for example. Any of these will get you into the environmental field. In my particular office, geologists and environmental scientists do the exact same thing. Basically if you're more interested in geology, study geology. If you're more interested in the environment as a whole, study environmental science.
Personally my degrees are actually in physics. I only took a few environmental science courses, but found a company that was willing to hire me as an entry level environmental scientist anyway. They figured I was smart, my job doesn't really require much environmental education (researching contamination on sites and then writing up the results in reports), and it turns out I'm very good at it.
If you have further questions, feel free to email me through my profile.
You could always be the accountant for an environmentally sustainable company.
Having a specialized area of focus will help more than hurt you in any field of work, even in the environmental movement. I would recommend keeping current of different environmental issues and technologies and start surfing green websites, magazines, and even the environmental section of Monster Jobs. Just keep your eyes and ears open!
Just apply to the EPA. The EPA spends lots of money, and needs accountants. Most people they hire don't have degrees in anything environmental. It is far more important to have subject matter expertise in your specialty.
To see the current openings, go to:
www.usajobs.gov
But don't get carried away about global warming. The US Senate decided back in 1997 that unless China, India, and developed countries were on board, the USA wasn't going to destroy its economy to "save the world." Just in case you thought President Bush was saying something new on global warming in recent days ... he wasn't. It was just a re-hash of Al Gore's words from 1997. If you find this hard to believe, see the video for yourself at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho0lda-i3...
Northern California.
As an accountant you would need to go ack to college for an education in thermal quantum matters. ut if you want to help. Just ask at the local community facilities and see what you can do to help.
If your plan is to make a good living stick with accounting. i have a b.s. in environmental biology and that is exactly what it is B.S. You have to really enjoy the avenue you pursue. Geology is a completely different ball game than environmental studies but if you like studying rocks that is the way to go. I will let you know that it was extremely difficult finding a job in this field, your best bet is to find an environmental consulting firm and intern. That way you can get your foot in the door. If you can get yourself involved with the government you have a better chance of making decent money and benefits.
You do know where to begin, and that's asking questions. That's always the first step in any undertaking - and it's the best step.
Now, you're asking about a Geology Track or Environmental Studies, correct? Well, you should realize that Environmental Studies is a multi-disciplinary approach. When you study for a degree in Environmental Studies, you need to take courses in the following subjects:
Biology - to know how the environment affects life, and also how life affects the environment.
Geology - make up of soil, rocks, geology of continents, mountains. How these affect the environment and how the environment affects them.
Geography - rivers, mountains, oceans, as well as Climatology (yes this is part of studying Geography). How these affect the environment and how the environment affects them.
History - yes History. What caused pollution? What's the history of environmental problems? The Industrial Age and its affect on the world.
Sociology - study of society - it's relationships and all. How these affect the environment and how the environment affects them.
Psychology - study of the psyche - how human minds work - what environment factors affect them.
As I said above, Environmental Studies is a multi-disiplinary approach. You do not study one particular subject, you study multiple fields.
This is because the environment is affected by so many different factors.
And in turn, the environment affects so many different things.
You can choose one field to concentrate in, say one of two of Geography's sub-fields: Climatology or Oceanography.
And at the same time, you can take an interest in Environmental Studies. That's very doable. And its sounds like that's what you really want.
So, in my opinion, for you to be in the forefront of that fight, Climatology would be the field of study for you to pursue.
Why? Well, Climates would be the most affected by Global Warming.
When you add higher temperatures - more energy in the form of heat to our global weather system, it speeds up.
Ocean Currents change.
Global Jet Streams change.
We have more storms, more hurricanes, more typhoons.
More rain in one area means less rain in another.
So we have floods in South America and drought in Africa.
Think on all of this - and do your research. Just be sure, absolutely sure, that this is something you want to do.
Take time off from your job and visit colleges that you are interested in study-wise. Speak with the Professors. Speak with the Graduate Students. (You will need a Graduate Degree.) See what kind of research they are doing at that University. See what kind of research they are doing on Global Warming. And ASK QUESTIONS!
Remember, Changing careers to pursue this fight is a noble cause, but a foolish one if you're not ready to prepare yourself to fight.
Ken
The environment is pretty big. Which part really interests you to the point of being 'turned on'? No one person can do it all. Think with your mind but also with your heart and soul. When you decide you can start making important decisions. Maybe your part will be in juggling the numbers like an accountant in the environment. Maybe you can analyze cause and effect. Or, maybe you want to be a forest ranger. Will you be the person on the poster pointing a finger and saying, "Only you can prevent global warming?"
Okay why can,t you take your accounting skills and apply them at any Environmental company start out in your field and see first hand what the opportunities may be. As far as I know every company has an accounting department. This could be a great way to get in the door and also see if this is something you can be passionate about. Also there are many non profit companies relating to the environment. Good luck !
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