Why Should I Choose an Environmental Science Major?

Environmental science is a broad field that covers many disciplines in the sciences, such as biology and chemistry. People may choose an environmental science major for a variety of reasons. The fact that this field is so broad attracts many people; it involves biology, chemistry, geology, technology, and many other sciences. It is even linked to social sciences, as resource management and use are very important parts of many environmental science careers. Some individuals choose an environmental science major out of a genuine desire to help the environment as issues such as global warming, pollution, and low fresh water supply threaten both people and the environment.

Pollution, its sources, and its prevention take up a significant part of the focus of many environmental scientists. A student may choose an environmental science major for this reason. An environmental scientist focusing on pollution will often study its effects and work to come up with new, cleaner ways to conduct everyday tasks. Many also work to find cleaner ways to conduct industry and manufacturing which is often notoriously harsh on the environment. Often, people with environmental science majors end up doing advocacy work to try to move those in positions of influence to curb activities that are harmful to the environment.

Energy and resource use are major aspects of the studies and work of those who choose environmental science majors. These topics branch out into very diverse fields, as they both involve a good deal of physical and social science. The world is full of nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels, and an alternative energy source will eventually be necessary to provide energy. There are many other natural resources used in modern industry that are severely limited; alternatives must be found or massive changes must be made if these resources are to be preserved. Environmental scientists are often the ones in charge of making the decisions that govern the use of such limited resources and forms of energy.

An environmental science major can bring about many different job opportunities with many different groups and organizations. The government hires environmental scientists in a variety of areas from forestry and land management to public health and safety. Many nonprofit organizations interested in resource preservation and other environmental concerns also hire environmental scientists to conduct research and studies to quantify the organization's claims. Different job opportunities for an environmental science major range from teaching science in school to disposing of hazardous waste in a safe way that has minimal influence on the environment. Even the United States military hires environmental scientists for environmental health jobs, which relate to the effects that the environment has on human health.