You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.
Jane Goodall
Anthropologist Jane Goodall’s quote is a powerful reminder that people are not separate from the environment. Our symbiotic relationship with nature is constant, marked by the consumption of natural resources, actively or passively, to meet basic needs and lead a comfortable life.
Quite unconsciously, the scales of natural balance have been tipped by the indiscriminate use of renewable and nonrenewable resources, reckless dumping of waste and mindless development. This global imbalance has created a crisis at many levels of existence. Climate change, scarcity of raw materials and the degradation of air, water and soil quality aren’t just sensational news headlines or the latest buzzwords—they are more real than we’d like to imagine.
Fortunately, humanity is still in the process of redeeming nature and itself. And while we have made considerable strides toward this effort, there’s still much more left to do.
So, how do we accomplish that?
At IE University, we believe the answer lies in sustainability. It’s a transversal principle that guides all our programs, activities and initiatives, but is especially relevant in our Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability. It was launched recently with the conviction that, when you understand the interplay present within natural ecosystems, you can work in tandem with the environment to ensure sustainable development.
How prevalent is the study of Environmental Sciences?
The environment has been a topic of discussion since the impacts of climate change first became obvious. So much so that in 2015, the United Nations stated that there was a need to protect the environment—and 195 countries agreed.
This led to a historic meeting that ratified the 2030 Agenda. It comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), out of which six are directly related to sustainability, conservation resource management and renewable energy,
Today, governments, corporations and nonprofits worldwide invite Environmental Sciences specialists to spearhead environmental and SDG-related projects. Academia has noticed this trend, with several higher education institutions introducing programs in this field of study to churn out graduates who can facilitate climate action and meaningful, long-term change.
Where can you find such a program?
IE University has introduced a unique program that aims to foster the search for sustainable solutions to critical environmental issues. Aptly named the Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability, it blends natural, economic and legal sciences with technology and a project-based approach to learning. As a result, you’ll develop a comprehensive knowledge base and skill set that you can utilize to tackle environmental challenges.
The program’s unique, practical curriculum and scientific approach to sustainability makes for a holistic learning experience. Juan Carlos Silva, its academic director, recently provided an overview of all the subjects and courses comprising the Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability. As he notes, through a mix of theory, case study and collaborative projects, students are better equipped to address environmental issues and find innovative solutions informed by science, socioeconomics and technology.
Students also get a chance to expand their perspective in the four-year program’s diverse classrooms: you will learn alongside peers from all over the world. Studying under the finest academics, scientists, researchers and leaders in the business world, you’ll receive a wealth of expert support, feedback and networking opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the program’s innovative labs and international exchange experiences.
What does a career in Environmental Sustainability look like?
A bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability is highly competitive and creates numerous career opportunities across various sectors. As a Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability graduate, you can apply your skills and knowledge in several roles, including environmental consulting, conservation, natural resource management, research and more.
Skilled sustainability professionals in the field are in high demand in government and allied organizations, private companies and civil society:
- Opportunities in government and public institutions
Most governments have projects and initiatives aligned with the SDGs. Whether you want to create impact in climate action, water and sanitation, renewable energies, or marine conservation, there are numerous causes you can choose to work in. Specifically, graduates of the program can play a leading role in the following aspects:
- Development of public environmental policies and regulations
- Design of urban or rural development projects
- Sustainable architecture, design and urban development
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Circular and regenerative economy
- Biodiversity management and conservation
- Career opportunities in private corporations
Companies today are bound by the rules of ethical Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). More and more, they are taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment in all aspects of their operation. Graduates of the program can act as in-house or external consultants to such organizations in the following ways:
- Environmental consulting and auditing
- Environmental risk and impact assessment
- Project and product management
- Research and development for environmental management
- Effective resource and natural capital management
- Career opportunities in research
Gathering facts and data about environmental cause-and-impact dynamics is just as important as fieldwork. You can opt to conduct basic and applied research on topics related to Environmental Sciences. Some common areas of research include:
- Physical and natural environment
- The human dimension of environmental challenges
- Environmental regulatory and legislative frameworks
- Environmental policies and their impact
- Ecology and conservation
- Natural resources utilization
- Energy transitions
- Carbon neutrality
What next?
As the world moves more toward globalization, digitalization and innovation, there is a need for proactive regulation that will safeguard culture, livelihoods and the natural environment. There is no Plan B—we must put sustainability at the core of business and daily life. Now, with the Bachelor in Environmental Studies for Sustainability, future generations can look forward to visionary leaders with the know-how to find innovative environmental solutions for a secure green future.