Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary academic field integrating physical, chemical, biological and geographical components of the environment with a special focus on degradation and pollution. As a scientific discipline, it intends to explain questions relating to various natural phenomena and help solve challenging environmental problems. The keywords that are driving a renewed interest in the study of environment science are ‘conservation’ and ‘protection’. Environmental issues like global warming, ozone depletion, and marine pollution, to name a few, require a collective global effort as it is a threat to the whole of mankind.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 was a Universal call to protect the planet through focus on areas like climate action, life on land, and affordable and clean energy, to name a few.

With Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) and Corporate Sustainability becoming a critical criterion of corporate governance against the backdrop of a need to maintain an equilibrium between growth and sustainability, there has been a renewed focus on hiring for positions in fields related to environment sustainability.

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses various branches, each focusing on different aspects of the environment

1. Ecology:
   • Definition: Ecology studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.
   • Focus Areas: Population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and landscape ecology.
   • Exploration: Understand how living organisms, including humans, interact with each other and their surroundings.
2. Environmental Chemistry:
   • Definition: Environmental chemistry investigates the chemical processes occurring in the environment and their impacts.
   • Focus Areas: Water chemistry, air chemistry, soil chemistry, and pollution monitoring.
   • Exploration: Analyze the composition and behavior of pollutants, as well as their effects on ecosystems and human health.
3. Environmental Biology:
   • Definition: Environmental biology studies the impact of environmental changes on living organisms.
   • Focus Areas: Biodiversity, conservation biology, and adaptation to environmental stress.
   • Exploration: Examine how environmental changes affect species diversity, genetics, and overall ecosystem health.
4. Atmospheric Science:
   • Definition: Atmospheric science explores the Earth’s atmosphere, including weather patterns and climate.
   • Focus Areas: Meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric chemistry.
   • Exploration: Investigate factors influencing climate change, atmospheric pollution, and extreme weather events.
5. Geography and Geographical Information Systems (GIS):
   • Definition: Geography in environmental science analyzes spatial patterns and relationships.
   • Focus Areas: Land use, spatial analysis, and GIS technology.
   • Exploration: Study how human activities impact landscapes, and use GIS for mapping and analyzing environmental data.
6. Environmental Geology:
   • Definition: Environmental geology examines the interactions between Earth’s processes and human activities.
   • Focus Areas: Landforms, natural hazards, and resource management.
   • Exploration: Assess geological factors influencing environmental issues, such as soil erosion, landslides, and groundwater contamination.
7. Environmental Engineering:
   • Definition: Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to address environmental challenges.
   • Focus Areas: Water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and waste management.
   • Exploration: Design and implement technologies to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainability.
8. Environmental Policy and Management:
   • Definition: Environmental policy and management focus on the development and implementation of policies for sustainable resource use.
   • Focus Areas: Environmental governance, conservation policies, and environmental impact assessment.
   • Exploration: Study the societal and political aspects of environmental issues, and contribute to policy development and implementation.
9. Environmental Sociology:
   • Definition: Environmental sociology explores the relationships between society and the environment.
   • Focus Areas: Environmental justice, human behavior, and societal attitudes towards nature.
   • Exploration: Investigate how social structures and cultural values influence environmental practices and policies.
10. Environmental Economics:
    • Definition: Environmental economics analyzes the economic impact of environmental policies and resource use.
    • Focus Areas: Valuation of ecosystem services, cost-benefit analysis, and sustainable development.
    • Exploration: Evaluate the economic consequences of environmental degradation and the benefits of conservation.
11. Oceanography:
    • Definition: Oceanography studies the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of oceans.
    • Focus Areas: Marine biology, coastal processes, and ocean circulation.
    • Exploration: Understand the role of oceans in climate regulation, biodiversity, and human activities.

12. Environmental Ethics:

    • Definition: Environmental ethics examines moral principles and values related to environmental issues.
    • Focus Areas: Ethical considerations in conservation, sustainability, and environmental decision-making.
    • Exploration: Delve into the ethical dimensions of environmental problems and the responsibilities of individuals and societies.