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Environmental Economists

Credit: World Resources Institute, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 on Flickr

Environmental economists study the economic impact of environmental policies and the use of natural resources, and they use this information to develop sustainable solutions that balance environmental protection with economic growth. Their typical duties require an extensive background in the geosciences and include:

  • Developing models to predict the costs and benefits of different environmental policies on carbon emissions trading, water conservation, waste management, renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and natural resource extraction.

  • Evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of existing environmental programs.

  • Preparing reports and presentations for policymakers, business leaders, and the public.

  • Participating in environmental impact assessments and regulatory reviews.

  • Teaching courses or conducting research at universities or research institutions on environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and natural resource depletion.

  • Collaborating with scientists from other fields such as geology, hydrology, and ecology to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.

Read more about this occupation on O*NET OnLine at www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3011.01

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