Environmental sciences are important in order to protect our future. The way that the environment is changing because of human involvement is unprecedented. In order to be sure that there is a healthy environment for future generations, it is critical that there are precautions taken in the form of education. There are so many different types of jobs within environmental science: geologists to zoologists. One common goal is shared by all environmental science courses: “The goal of most environmental studies programs is to investigate and teach about natural and social systems and train students to assess environmental problems, understand their complexity, and work for solutions to these problems” (Ward). The goal of environmental science is a preservative goal. Climate change is the biggest environmental concern facing our future; therefore, when it comes to environmental sciences, the purpose is to discover methods to eliminate this environmental threat.
One possible career that an environmental scientist can pursue is to become a geoscientist. A geoscientist is someone who understands how the physical parts of our environment have developed: “Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Geoscientists work in a variety of conditions: They are sometimes in a laboratory, or out in the field. Being out in the field can include working in extreme weather conditions and travel to remote locations (Environmental Science.org Editors). Additionally, physical requirements may be demanding for a geoscientist who has to perform physical feats in order to obtain field data (Environmental Science.org Editors). Geoscientists are not limited to any specific areas or regions, and their duties include every environment.
Most geoscientists work for oil and gas companies, and some work for the state or federal government (Environmental Science.org Editors). Companies such as Chevron, or Shell, employ specific geoscientists who are known as petroleum geologists (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The outlook for geoscience careers is that the industry is growing at a 10% annual increase, much higher than most industries (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The average salary for a geoscientist is about $89,700 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most geoscientists minimally have a BA degree, which requires a minimum of four years of college; however, some states and industries also require additional licensing (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
This career benefits the environment because geoscientists can gage the effects of human interaction with nature. Climate change is an unprecedented environmental concern that geoscientists can help eradicate. The amount of greenhouse gasses that are put into our atmosphere is quickly deteriorating the ozone. It is critical that we find methods to slow and stop climate change. A geoscientist is the preeminent career in assisting to solve the problem of climate change. Geoscientists can prevent the depletion of non-renewable sources, and they can educate people on how to treat the environment responsibly. There are many organizations to which a geoscientist can belong that are overseen by the American Geosciences Institute. These organizations provide continuing education for the public and professional spheres (American Geosciences Institute). The ways that geoscientists can help the future of our world is to discover how to recreate our fossil fuels so that we do not have to use any more. There are limited resources that we have to produce the energy that we need, and geoscientists are responsible for preserving energy, and for discovering efficient methods to create energy. A geoscientist is a solid career choice because with four years of education, one can make nearly 90 grand a year. Moreover, the career is a necessary one that could literally save the world.
- American Geosciences Institute. “Center for Geoscience and Society.” AGI, 2017, www.americangeosciences.org/center-for-geo. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientist.” United States Dept. of Labor, 2017, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
- Environmental Science.org Editors. “What Does a Geoscientist Do?” Environmentalscience.org, 2017, www.environmentalscience.org/career/geoscientist. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
- Ward, Terry. “Environmental Science Majors and Potential Jobs.” College Xpress, 2017, www.collegexpress.com/interests/science-and-engineering/articles/studying-sciences/environmental-science-majors-and-potential-careers/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
