A career in Environmental Research

Students considering graduate work in environmental studies need not worry they are coming in at the innovative tail end. Environmental research has evolved to include a vastly diverse spectrum of science and research. These are fields which not only reflect our increasing knowledge and technological advancement but of course, our growing awareness. While even forensics and biological sciences now encroach in the realm of environmental research, environmental research in its essence proceeds to grow as a field unto itself.  This specialization continues to present a lucrative and interesting opportunity for researchers and scientific research facilities.

Environmental companies are at the cutting edge of modern technology, they are the research establishments that are being afforded the task of saving our planet and as such, they are the contemporary heroes of science. Looking beyond what is occurring within research facilities, even companies in traditionally non-environmental industries are being called to task and given kudos as they change and become green. But again, it’s the environmental researchers being called upon to gauge success. For instance in order to rank the top 10 green companies of 2010, Newsweek teamed up with several research facilities to help them with their choices. They recruited researchers to help them make decisions based upon their expertise in the areas of environmental, social and governance ratings, social responsibility, environmental reports and quantitative measurements of environmental performance.

This is a prime example of the increasing tendency of non-academic/research based initiatives incorporating specialized research data into their projects. As the environment continues to be in the forefront of international imperative across all industries and political boundaries, those with experience in the field become increasingly in demand. As such environmental research may be the most lucrative and interesting field of future research and employment.