Go green, earn bucks

Gauri Chhabra

While India pats itself on its back for a growing GDP and increasing capitalisation, the national capital is slowly getting choked by the smog which seems to be worst in the past 17 years. The latest urban air quality database released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that India ranks among the world's worst contries to live in for its polluted air. Delhi is among the most polluted cities in the world today. The report reconfirms that most Indian cities are becoming death traps because of very high air pollution levels.Whether it is land degradation or river contamination, India has it all and that too on a massive scale. 

The awareness of these and many other issues necessitates the careers of environmental consultants who provide public and private sector clients with advice on issues such as soil contamination, water pollution, air quality, industrial pollution, renewable energy technology, environmental impact assessments, environmental audits, and waste management.

Eligibility and skillset

For admission to bachelor's degree, you must have passed 10+2 with science subjects such as biology, mathematics and chemistry. For those aspiring opportunities on the technical side of environment consulting, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, environmental studies, geology, environmental engineering, or a closely related field is the minimum requirement. 

Besides, you should have excellent research & data analysis skills, be able to present complex information in statistical format, adept in latest environmental laws and regulations in order to ensure compliance.

Career scope

There are many career options that offshoot from Environment Consultancy. They are in the private and government organisations. Besides, the global organisations engaged in pollution control and sustainable growth are offering attractive compensation to the fresh graduates. Some options are:

Entrepreneurship

If you have an entrepreneurial acumen, you may go in for freelance work. Here your strong academic background can hold you in good stead. Training courses, conferences, workshops and networking events are often provided by chartered institutions and professional societies, which must be constantly looked into. These are essential for building a long and successful career as an environmental consultant.

Environmental communication

Those interested in mass media could explore environmental communication as experts.  Environmental writers are much sought after these days. 

Social welfare

NGOs or non-profit organisations are coming up in a big way globally to work towards the environment cause. Starting your own NGO or being a part of an international NGO could be another option.

International organisations

International organisations like the World Bank and the UN roll out short and long-term consulting opportunities in various areas of environment in different countries. Their websites could be checked for job postings that keep floating on a regular basis.

Teaching and research

Teaching is another area to explore. The opportunities are available in almost all universities. Research and Development could also be undertaken in this field. Environmental consultants design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Institute Watch

• University of Delhi, offers M.A/M.Sc. in Environmental Studies.
• TERI University, Delhi, offers M.Sc. in Environmental Studies and Resource Management
• Amity University, Noida, offers B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, M.Tech in Environmental Engineering and M.Sc in Environmental Sciences and Management.
• University of Calicut, Kerala, offers B.Sc in Environmental Science and Water Management and M.Sc in Environmental Science. 
• Ranchi University, Ranchi, offers B.Sc in Environmental Science and Water Management.
• Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, offers Post-Graduate diploma in Environment and M.Sc in Environmental Science.
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), offers Certificate course in Environmental Studies, Post-Graduate Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development.