With oil prices ballooning, environmental researchers are pushing ahead with their research on renewable energy sources. According to a report prepared for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) by New Energy Finance, new investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in 2007 was more than $148 billion, up 60% from 2006 levels.
Wind energy was on top of the investment chart, taking in $50.2 billion last year, while investment in solar power was reported to have grown at an average annual rate of 254% since 2004. In 2007, $16.9 billion was spent on research and development for clean energy and energy efficiency. Governments contributed $7.1 billion, while corporate interests spent $9.8 billion.
If such investments are not made in an eco-friendly way, emissions of greenhouse gases might go up 50% by 2050. Meanwhile, scientists tell us that we need to cut emissions by 50% by 2050.
The next few decades will definitely see good job opportunities for people wanting to enter the renewable energy sector in environmental research.
Areas of Environmental Research
Environmental research provides some of the most diverse career options. A career in environmental research can lead you to work in energy, conservation, waste management, agriculture, land contamination, forestry, watersheds, wildlife protection, and many other areas. Here are some specific fields of specialization:
- Environmental and occupational medicine
- Immunology
- Mineral and organic agents
- Epidemiology and risk analysis
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Atmospheric sciences
- Ecology
- Environmental chemistry
- Geosciences
- Environmental microbiology
- Toxicology
For most entry-level positions in environmental science jobs, a bachelor’s degree in an earth science or environmental science is adequate. However, environmental research jobs with state and federal agencies usually require a master’s degree. Furthermore, if you want to pursue a career as a professor in environmental research, you would need a doctoral degree, or a PhD.
Environmental researchers are expected to have a range of computer skills. Some environmental research jobs may require good knowledge of data analysis and remote sensing, and also the use of a global positioning system (GPS).
To fast track your career in environmental research, it is important to get relevant work experience and read specialist publications such as New Scientist and the Environment Post. You can also join a professional body and make some useful contacts.
Environmental Research Jobs
Graduate environmental research jobs include those as research assistants, research technicians, and research scientists. Work can involve fieldwork, interviewing, lab work, computer-based data analysis, and library research.
Your prospective employers can be universities, the Natural Environment Research Council, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and corporate and environmental consultancies.
Conclusion
The scale and complexity of environmental problems are demonstrating the need for more environmental researchers. Though a majority of environmental researchers are employed by the government, the job market in the private sector is expected to grow the most. Moreover, environmental research jobs are great for those who desire to improve the world and help people and the environment.
