What to Study to Save the World: Climate Change

A common thread running through all of our students is ambition. The desire to make an impact, either on a macro or micro scale, unites young people everywhere. However, momentum tends to run thin when the question of “Where do I begin?” is asked.

But it doesn’t have to. Once you’ve identified the change you’d like to see in the world, the best place to start taking action is the classroom. Higher education that aligns with your goals is not just a path, it's a powerful tool to address pressing issues. Getting a degree is the best way to get a seat at the tables where the important conversations are taking place.

Climate change is one impactful initiative that’s been at the top of everyone’s mind, especially in these summer months when the sun seems to be burning a lot hotter than it used to. It’s a topic that will only increase in relevance as time goes on, and the demand for professionals in this field is only going to rise. So, students looking to get involved can at least count on job security. 

To encourage the next generation of environmentalists and keep that hopeful momentum going, here are 4 subjects to major in if you want to dedicate your career to helping the planet.

Environmental Science

Biology, meteorology, physics, math, and geography all play a large role in the interdisciplinary field that is environmental science. By studying how the natural world operates in different environments and how we, as human beings, interact with it, environmental scientists determine the best ways to solve environmental issues like climate change, water shortages, air pollution, and .

There are 5 main areas that make up environmental science, including the geosciences, social sciences, atmospheric sciences, environmental chemistry, and ecology. Due to the nature of their work, environmental scientists make up our first line of defense in the struggle to save our rapidly changing climate. 

In fact, our research program “Using Satellite Data to Map, Monitor, and Assess Our Changing Environment from Space” is an environmental science course that challenges students to ask questions like:

• How are we changing the physical environment of Earth’s Surface?

• How can we measure and monitor these changes?

• What is triggering or accelerating these changes?

• How can we minimize the impact of these changes and potentially reverse or redirect them?

The importance of the work environmental scientists do cannot be overstated. Arguably, we need them now more than ever.

Environmental Law

So many of the obstacles that stand in the way of progressive actions against climate change are systemic. That’s why environmental lawyers can be found in boardrooms and court rooms at every level of government around the world, protecting and pioneering legislation meant to prioritize the well-being of our planet.

Environmental law strives to “protect human health, preserve the environment for present and future generations, and ensure sustainable development.” It covers a broad range of regulations and policies designed to mitigate the impact of human activity, preserve our wildlife, and prevent environmental contamination. Students interested in practicing environmental law can look forward to drafting legislation, lobbying elected officials, advising policymakers, and representing government agencies, non-profits, community groups, or environmental justice coalitions as clients, and so much more.

Since the 1970s, the career opportunities in the environmental law industry have been practically limitless. This is an excellent avenue to explore for students looking to tackle climate change at a legislative level and potentially pioneer new bills and initiatives that could change the world for generations.

Zoology

Zoologists are biologists who specialize in the anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, and genetics of all animals, living and extinct. And the sheer volume of animals that have gone extinct, or are currently endangered, due to unprecedented changes in our climate over the centuries is staggering. 

In fact, the extinction rates we’re seeing today are like none we’ve seen at any other time in human history. Scientists have been sounding the alarm: the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s 4.5 billion-year history is underway. Zoology is intrinsically linked to the environmental crisis because, since all earthly lifeforms are interdependent and biodiversity allows crucial ecosystems to thrive, a threat to one species is a threat to us all. 

Zoologists and other biological scientists, like marine biologists, can make a huge impact by leading the charge on wildlife conservation. 

Through the research of animals’ relationships with their environment, as well as their growth, nutrition, and reproduction patterns, they can spearhead programs dedicated to recovering endangered populations. And since animals can remove billions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, restoring and preserving their species is directly beneficial to the global fight to save the planet.

Environmental Architecture and Design

According to the World Green Building Council, the building and construction industry is responsible for a whopping 60 percent of global electricity consumption and 40 percent of total energy use. So, it’s only natural that this sector has begun focusing heavily on sustainability in the form of ecological architecture and design.

Green architecture “integrates environmentally conscious strategies into the design and construction of buildings, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction.” Environmental architects and designers can lead the charge against climate change by creating innovative commercial, residential, and social (parks, courtyards, trails, etc.) spaces that exist in harmony with natural environments.

The effects of climate change thus far have been nothing short of catastrophic, and if the trends are any indication, things are becoming more dire. Extreme weather events combined with outdated infrastructure that wasn’t designed to withstand them, plus changes in animal behavior around the world means one thing: we need help. More than ever, the students with the determination to make a difference will be our saving grace. 

Luckily, there are many different academic paths for students who want to make their mark on the planet. We hope to help facilitate these ambitions where we can by offering custom 1-on-1 research programs and group programs that align with these lofty goals, like our “Architecture and the City: Sustainable Urban Design that Inspires” cohort. If higher education is the foundation for widespread impact, then we happily assume the responsibility of helping our students reach their full potential.