Awareness surrounding climate change and the human impact on the planet is growing. In the past five years, the topic of climate change and protecting the environment has made major news headlines more than ever before.
We now have many organisations and charities worldwide dedicated to putting this universal issue at the forefront of our minds. With greater awareness comes a better chance of collectively solving some of the problems.
With an increased focus on climate change, work in the field has increased. In addition, so have university courses focusing on various related specialisations. For prospective students passionate about the planet, it can be great to hear that you can find a degree and later career in this field. Let's explore some of the top subjects and degrees to save the planet.
Ecology
We can’t discuss studying the environment without looking at degrees in Ecology. This is the study of the planet and its ecosystem, from plants to animals and humans.
An ecology degree gives graduates a detailed understanding of how the planet works. The qualification focuses particularly on the effect human activity has had on it. With a comprehensive knowledge of this topic, graduates allow themselves to work in this area with careers in either studying the environment and its future or educating others on the world we all share.
Are you trying to decide between a BA and a BSc? We can help.
Engineering: renewable energy
It’s been stated that if the world was to continue using the resources it’s currently using, the planet would need to be at least 70 per cent bigger to keep up. For this reason, research into sustainable energy has boomed, with industries such as wind and solar power some of the most popular.
With this rapid growth, engineers specialising in this line of work are needed now more than ever.
With an engineering degree focusing on renewable energy, a student could become one of the many experts currently being relied upon to speed up the process of businesses and countries going fully sustainable much sooner.
This is a great option for anyone interested in engineering but may also want to be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
Discover more about what it’s like to study engineering.
Nature conservation
Conservation is one of the most important topics when discussing our fight to save the planet. Nature conservation ranges from efforts to stop certain species of animals from going extinct to preserving vast areas of the natural world that keep our ecosystem in balance.
With this type of degree, a student will learn how conservationists protect certain areas of nature. Many university courses allow you to specialise in a particular area of conservation that you're interested in.
Innovation is a vital part of creating a more sustainable world going forward, but so is protecting what we already have. Someone with a degree in conservation can be a part of this with careers in environmental consultancy, horticulture, and wildlife research.
Discover the difference between professional and academic degrees.
Zoology
This degree may overlap in many areas with conservation, but it is more than worth discussing on its own due to how broad the topic can be.
Zoology is the study of animals, both living and extinct, with many degrees concentrating on several different species or areas.
All animals on the planet play a vital role in maintaining our ecosystem, so having graduated with a working knowledge of these animals is crucial for aiding in the fight against species extinction and helping our relationship with them going forward.
Read more about what it’s like to study in the field of earth and environmental science.
Environmental Law
When discussing the environment, our minds create images of natural spaces. From beautiful coasts, the highest mountains and buzzing rainforests, it’s easy to think that these places are where those trying to protect the planet will find themselves most.
This isn’t always the case. Most of the pioneering work for the environment happens in business boardrooms and courts. A law degree that focuses on environmental laws and regulations allows graduates to make real change on a systemic level.
Whether it’s the whole course or just one part of your law degree, this is an interesting and growing area of law that many eco-conscious students may find themselves working in.
There are few more pressing matters facing the international community today than climate change. For prospective students who want to make a difference to the health of the planet, these degrees are just a fraction of the options out there.
Take a look at these subjects and many more with our site search tool and find the perfect one for you. Are you looking to read more on this topic? Find out about the world’s most sustainable universities.
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