The expansion and advancement of human civilization for thousands of years have happened at the cost of the environment and nature; the realisation and resolve are only new and trivial, to say the least. This is why the development of environmental studies and plans to promote sustainable development has been widely accepted at a time when the cost of the environmental degradation caused by humans is starting to show its dangerous consequences. The discipline of Environmental Studies was first established in the 1950s at Syracuse University, a New York State College of Forestry. Today, the importance of environmental science is undeniable, and its impact are evident with educational boards across the globe, adopting the module as a compulsory course even at a fundamental level. What is Environment & Sustainable Development all About? Environmental science education is a compulsory course introduced at elementary level to raise awareness about environmental issues. Theoretically, Environmental studies are focused on understanding the interaction between humans and nature. In doing so, what was uncovered was far graver than anticipated, and hence, the study of Environment and Sustainable Development became instrumental. The awareness of manmade environmental issues has an ancient history dating back to the collapse of Israel and Jordan in 6000 BCE; one of the reasons for the collapse is believed to be severe deforestation. The idea for the Environmental Science program began to take shape in the 1900s. After two world wars and the rising number of environmental problems at our disposal, by the start …

Introduction The Earth’s climate has always experienced slight fluctuations; however, these natural variations do not account for the current climate change phenomenon, which has severely disrupted weather patterns and triggered widespread environmental changes across the globe. Today, climate change has emerged as a global crisis, affecting every nation on the planet. One of the most critical contributors to this issue is the impact of deforestation on climate change, as large-scale tree loss increases carbon emissions, reduces carbon sinks, and accelerates global warming. Scientists have openly acknowledged that the ongoing environmental degradation and the compounded effects of global warming are primarily driven by human activities. To create meaningful change on a planetary scale, rigorous research, academic studies, and committed groundwork are essential—starting from local and regional initiatives and scaling up to a global effort. How Does Deforestation Affect Climate Change? The human activities of over 200 years have cost the whole world dearly, raising the Earth’s surface temperature by 1.2°C. On paper, it may not say or seem much, but the effects of global warming are slowly but steadily seeping into ordinary lives. One of the many reasons for this change has proven to be the vast levels of deforestation done in the name of civilization, progress and many other things.  The rich biodiversity of the planet Earth are the very resource that makes this planet inhabitable, and the years of human destruction have unsettled the delicate balance, and the changing weather, heatwaves, untimely floods and cyclones are the direct result …

Introduction The world today is suffering from myriad environmental and sustainable development challenges. These include, among others, climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, air and water pollution, and unsustainable urbanisation. There is a dire need to address these problems and challenges because they threaten global ecosystems, people's livelihoods, and human health & well-being. If you are passionate about tackling these issues, exploring environmental science courses in India can be the first step towards equipping yourself with the right knowledge and skills. Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss: A Looming Crisis Climate change is already increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, altering rainfall patterns, and threatening agriculture and freshwater availability. The loss of biodiversity is an equally concerning threat that not only disrupts the balance of nature but also causes economic losses in both developing and developed nations. Moreover, each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecosystems; the sudden loss of key species can disrupt entire food chains, resulting in the collapse of entire ecosystems. Some magnificent species are on the brink of extinction, and it will surely be tragic if future generations are unable to see them. More visible among these challenges is the rampant air and water pollution in our cities. Cities, especially in developing countries, are becoming increasingly difficult to live in without face masks and air purifiers. Water bodies and green cover are disappearing, transforming urban areas into concrete jungles. Urban birds are either vanishing or becoming confined to smaller pockets. The high consumption rates …

Environmental Careers To say that there is a dearth of environment and sustainability specialists in the market today would not be an understatement. Some reports suggest that approximately 20% of the Indian workforce is currently employed in “green jobs.” This is expected to increase to 40% by the year 2030. A cursory analysis of the job profiles posted on various online job platforms reveals that the demand for specialists in environmental science has increased by 80-85% during the last year. The majority of these jobs are located in urban metropolitan areas of India like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, etc., and across the globe. More interestingly, these jobs are spread across all kinds of economic sectors, major industrial houses, and multinationals. Sectors that are consistently looking for green graduates from an institute of environment & sustainable development include Energy, Pharma, Automobiles, Fashion & Design, Infrastructure & Construction, Banking & Finance, Consultancies, Water & Energy Policy, Think Tanks, etc. Market leaders such as E&Y, KPMG, Enzen Global, Evans Denham, H&M, Novartis, L&T, PerkinElmer, Garrett, ExxonMobil, JLL, Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, ERM, World Resources Institute, Indicus Foundation, Council on Energy, Environment & Water, Tata, Infosys, NTPC, UltraTech, and Wipro have regularly issued public advertisements seeking environmental specialists. Unfortunately, owing to a dearth of trained environment & sustainability professionals, they are forced to outsource the jobs to external agencies or hire consulting firms to train their workforce for “green roles.” Career Paths & Opportunities For a more focused understanding of these jobs and …

There is no turning back the clock or returning to the times when the environment and climate were not at a breaking point. While we have become the most technologically advanced species, not much has been done for the environment and climate, and this phenomenon of change is very recent. However, this growing concern has shed light on the practice of environment and sustainable development, bringing it to the mainstream.  According to a 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there are only 12 years left to make significant changes to combat climate change effectively. To avoid catastrophic climate impacts, global temperatures must not exceed an average increase of 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Current trends indicate that without drastic measures, we could see an increase of up to 6°C, which would have devastating consequences for ecosystems and human societies. The study of the environment and sustainable development aims to build and develop sustainable materials that do not further harm nature. For thousands of years, humans have unknowingly extracted the majority of natural resources. Consequently, the need for sustainable development and the use of innovative materials and methods are now being explored.  The sustainability market is projected to reach $48 trillion by 2030. This growth underscores the increasing importance of sustainability in business and the need for skilled professionals who can overcome this challenge. Before we delve into the courses and modules of academic programmes relating to the environment, climate, and sustainable development, let us look at …

India is at a crossroads in a world where environmental challenges are escalating rapidly. The future of the country will depend on how well it establishes the balance between development and environmental conservation. The need for sustainable practices becomes even more crucial as the nation grows and modernizes. With a population of over 1.4 billion, India faces a unique set of challenges, ranging from severe air pollution to water scarcity and climate change impacts.  It is in this context that environmental education and sustainable development have gained much importance. For students, it is not just a career choice but a way to make a meaningful impact on the future of the planet while pursuing degrees such as a B.A. (Hons.) in Environment and Sustainable Development or a B.Sc. in Environment and Sustainable Development. Let's take a quick dive into the need for environmental education, the prospects for graduates in this field, and why these degrees are pivotal for the future of India. The Future of Sustainability in India India’s future is intertwined with its commitment to sustainability. As one of the world’s most populous countries, India faces unique environmental challenges, including high levels of pollution, over-exploitation of natural resources, and climate vulnerability. These issues are exacerbated by rapid industrialisation and urbanization. However, India is also emerging as a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable development. Renewable Energy Initiatives India has made impressive strides in renewable energy, with ambitious targets set for the coming years. By 2030, the nation aims …