What is environmental science?
Environmental science is an
interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and
information sciences (including ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, plant
science, zoology, mineralogy, oceanography, limnology, soil science, geology
and physical geography (geodesy), and atmospheric science) to the study of the
environment, and the solution of environmental problems. Environmental science
emerged from the fields of natural history and medicine during the
Enlightenment.
Today it provides an integrated,
quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental
systems.
Related areas of study include
environmental studies and environmental engineering. Environmental studies
incorporates more of the social sciences for understanding human relationships,
perceptions and policies towards the environment. Environmental engineering
focuses on design and technology for improving environmental quality in every
aspect.
Environmental scientists work on
subjects like the understanding of earth processes, evaluating alternative
energy systems, pollution control and mitigation, natural resource management,
and the effects of global climate change. Environmental issues almost always
include an interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Environmental scientists bring a systems approach to the analysis of
environmental problems. Key elements of an effective environmental scientist
include the ability to relate space, and time relationships as well as
quantitative analysis.
By: Pierre Smith, Principle
Engineer at Westlake Corp
