That's the conclusion of a new report from a panel of scientists in the June 7 issue of Nature. The report, "Approaching a state-shift in Earth's biosphere," suggests that increased human activity and population growth may be pushing the Earth toward a crucial tipping point comparable to the end of the last ice age.
The report is based on analysis that shows the percent of the earth's surface transformed by human use is currently 43 percent. That number is expected to exceed 50 percent around 2025, when the Earth's population reaches 8 billion, according to a summary of the research published in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The rising population and accompanying strains on the Earth could cause the planet to pass a critical threshold, causing widespread and rapid changes, which could include extinction rates comparable to those seen during the end of the dinosaur era and the highest temperatures recorded in human evolution.
Can science help prevent a climate disaster?
Sound like a scene straight out of a disaster movie? The repercussions of climate change, which scholars suggest could include food and water shortages and political instability, are significant. But scientific research allows scholars to predict possible shifts in the global climate -- and do something about it.
"These are admittedly huge tasks, but are vital if the goal of science and society is to steer the biosphere towards conditions we desire, rather than those that are thrust upon us unwittingly," wrote the study authors.
The paper grew out of a research group at the University of California, Berkeley known as The Berkeley Initiative in Global Change Biology, or BiGCB. Among the goals of the BiGCB are developing better predictive models so scientists can forecast climate change events coming and work to either avoid or lessen the effects of potentially catastrophic changes in the environment.
Training for a career in environmental science
Scientists can work in a number of capacities to help protect the environment, from advanced researchers to front-line technicians monitoring air quality or collecting water samples. Environmental scientists can play a key role in helping steer the global environment towards sustainable conditions for both humans and other life forms. These professionals specialize in developing solutions to environmental problems such as pollution, poor air quality or the effect of toxins on food safety and drinking water.
Most environmental scientists have a bachelor's degree. Programs that specialize in environmental science are available, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a degree in a field such as biology, chemistry or geology could also provide the necessary background. In addition to scientific knowledge, environmental scientists may need experience with computer modeling systems as well as strong written and oral communication skills to convey their findings and recommendations to policy makers, business partners and the general public.
With a master's degree or doctorate, environmental scientists can go on to more specialized research careers. A master's degree may prepare you for industry research in a field such as geology or hydrology, while a doctorate is generally required for a career in academic research.
Career paths for environmental scientists
According to bls.gov, most environmental scientists work for private consulting firms or for some level of government. While those employed in government work to develop and enforce environmental policy and regulations, those in private consulting specialize in helping organizations meet those regulations. Growth of 19 percent is predicted for environmental scientists between 2010 and 2020, according to bls.gov. The most job growth in the near future is expected to be in private consulting.
According to bls.gov, environmental scientists earned a mean annual wage of $68,810 in 2011. However, while the financial rewards of this career can be appealing, the best reward may be helping mankind avoid the fate of the dinosaurs.
The report is based on analysis that shows the percent of the earth's surface transformed by human use is currently 43 percent. That number is expected to exceed 50 percent around 2025, when the Earth's population reaches 8 billion, according to a summary of the research published in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The rising population and accompanying strains on the Earth could cause the planet to pass a critical threshold, causing widespread and rapid changes, which could include extinction rates comparable to those seen during the end of the dinosaur era and the highest temperatures recorded in human evolution.
Can science help prevent a climate disaster?
Sound like a scene straight out of a disaster movie? The repercussions of climate change, which scholars suggest could include food and water shortages and political instability, are significant. But scientific research allows scholars to predict possible shifts in the global climate -- and do something about it.
"These are admittedly huge tasks, but are vital if the goal of science and society is to steer the biosphere towards conditions we desire, rather than those that are thrust upon us unwittingly," wrote the study authors.
The paper grew out of a research group at the University of California, Berkeley known as The Berkeley Initiative in Global Change Biology, or BiGCB. Among the goals of the BiGCB are developing better predictive models so scientists can forecast climate change events coming and work to either avoid or lessen the effects of potentially catastrophic changes in the environment.
Training for a career in environmental science
Scientists can work in a number of capacities to help protect the environment, from advanced researchers to front-line technicians monitoring air quality or collecting water samples. Environmental scientists can play a key role in helping steer the global environment towards sustainable conditions for both humans and other life forms. These professionals specialize in developing solutions to environmental problems such as pollution, poor air quality or the effect of toxins on food safety and drinking water.
Most environmental scientists have a bachelor's degree. Programs that specialize in environmental science are available, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a degree in a field such as biology, chemistry or geology could also provide the necessary background. In addition to scientific knowledge, environmental scientists may need experience with computer modeling systems as well as strong written and oral communication skills to convey their findings and recommendations to policy makers, business partners and the general public.
With a master's degree or doctorate, environmental scientists can go on to more specialized research careers. A master's degree may prepare you for industry research in a field such as geology or hydrology, while a doctorate is generally required for a career in academic research.
Career paths for environmental scientists
According to bls.gov, most environmental scientists work for private consulting firms or for some level of government. While those employed in government work to develop and enforce environmental policy and regulations, those in private consulting specialize in helping organizations meet those regulations. Growth of 19 percent is predicted for environmental scientists between 2010 and 2020, according to bls.gov. The most job growth in the near future is expected to be in private consulting.
According to bls.gov, environmental scientists earned a mean annual wage of $68,810 in 2011. However, while the financial rewards of this career can be appealing, the best reward may be helping mankind avoid the fate of the dinosaurs.
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