CHANGES in our environment, increasing incidences of natural disasters, and changing weather patterns have helped to increase concerns about the future of our existence on earth.

The likely effects of these global ecological challenges have far-reaching impact, and universities both here and abroad have responded to these concerns by providing degree programmes in environmental sciences/studies that will enable graduates to contribute to finding solutions to the earth’s problems.

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Manchester, for example, offers both a bachelor of science and master of science degrees in environmental science.

Vice-president for Academic Administration Professor Marilyn Anderson noted that both environmental studies and environmental science are very important because of their significance in addressing issues such as environmental restoration, protection, sustainability and management. Still, she said the curriculum for both areas of studies differ.

“Environmental science draws on fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology to provide advanced scientific understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, such as, for example, air and water pollution, energy influences on the natural environment (oil and nuclear energy sources), soil science and chemical interactions with flora and fauna,” she said.

On the other hand, “Environmental studies provides a broad-based integrated understanding to

the social, political, historical, and scientific facets of our environmental challenges.”

1. Why does a degree in environmental sciences/studies make sense?

“It is necessary because it connects key concepts of many disciplines and provides a framework for the study of ecosystems and human interaction with the earth,” said Professor Anderson.

“Importantly, environmental challenges face every business, agency and institution — from the decision of whether to recycle junk mail at the smallest two-person office, to the decision of how to cost-effectively comply with complex environmental regulations in the big industry. This, therefore, means that at every level of physical development, people with environmental studies degrees are needed to help in understanding and solving the complexities between the various aspects of development

and the influence of such developments on the immediate environment,” she explained.

2. Where in Jamaica can you pursue a degree or courses in environmental sciences/studies?

Northern Caribbean University, College of Agriculture, Science and Education, the University of Technology.

3. What kind of jobs can you get with an environmental sciences/studies degree?

Policymaker/analyst, natural resource specialist, environmental resource consultant, environmental planner, environmental auditor, environmental compliance officer, disaster and emergency management specialist, officer or manager, teacher.