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What are some careers or majors that involve coming up with solutions to climate change and related environmental issues?

I am interesting in environmental science, engineering, and law, but I want a career that allows me to brainstorm solutions for environmental issues. I am unsure if I have the right skillset for environmental engineering, but I do enjoy its job description. If I major in environmental science instead, is there still a career path that allows me to do what I am interested in?

college-major career-path college-advice environmental-science environmental-engineering climate-change environmental-law
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Ryan’s Answer

Although I will preface this by saying I don't work in the environmental field (I work in technology) directly, but my brother works in the environmental engineering space with a mechanical engineering degree. I would recommend that you try to look into some of your desired end-goal careers (on-site surveyor, climate science engineer, or lab tech, environmental lawyer) and see which majors have greater job placement into those careers. It's definitely okay to not be positive on what career you want to have coming in as a freshman but be aware that some schools may have different requirements in transferring majors (across their arts/sciences, engineering, and business programs). I would say that engineering would give you the most technical skills and allow you to do anything else in the field. However, if the environmental science courses call out more to you maybe that's the best choice for you. If your end goal at all costs is going to law school your major doesn't necessarily matter as much as the grades you get and LSAT scores -- so I would definitely factor that in.
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Oishika’s Answer

Not directly related to your question, but something I found helpful was to attend events in the fields that I am specialised in. For eg, both NYC and the Seattle/Vancouver area host large climate weeks which bring together professionals from across many different industries all working in finding solutions to our climate problems. You can also reach out to specific departments at specific colleges to learn more about events they might be hosting. In my experience, the last time I attended the climate week, people had backgrounds in all sorts of majors! There were software/hardware engineers working in climate tech, as well as civil engineers working in sustainable development, mechies working on electric cars, and even fashion designers working on sustainable clothing!

Good luck!
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Matilda. There are many different paths you can take, depending on your interests and strengths. Since you enjoy brainstorming solutions and thinking about environmental issues, both environmental science and environmental engineering can lead to meaningful careers in this area.

Environmental science focuses on understanding how the environment works and how human activities affect it. If you major in environmental science, you could work as a climate analyst, environmental consultant, or sustainability specialist. These roles often involve researching problems like pollution, energy use, and climate change, then coming up with strategies to reduce harm and improve sustainability.

Environmental engineering, on the other hand, applies science and math to design systems and technologies that solve environmental problems. If you enjoy problem-solving and designing solutions, this field might fit you.

You also mentioned environmental law, which is another powerful path. Environmental lawyers protect natural resources, help create environmental policies, and work to hold companies accountable for pollution.
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