Environmental Economists
Overview
Environmental Economists study how our economy and the environment affect each other, then use data and math to help leaders make smart, sustainable choices. They build computer models, run statistics in tools like R, Python, or Excel, and compare the costs and benefits of different options, such as stricter air pollution rules or investments in solar and wind power. Their work often shapes laws, business strategies, and city or national policies by showing which plans protect natural resources like water, air, and wildlife while still supporting jobs and economic growth.
Did you know?
Most positions require a master's or doctoral degree in economics, environmental economics, or related fields due to the technical and analytical nature of the work.
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Repairing
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
- Monitor or analyze market and environmental trends.
- Demonstrate or promote the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations.
- Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
- Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate economic and environmental study results, to present policy recommendations, or to raise awareness of environmental consequences.
- Teach courses in environmental economics.
- Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
- Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
- Write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies.
- Interpret indicators to ascertain the overall health of an environment.
- Identify and recommend environmentally friendly business practices.
- Develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental and economic data.
- Perform complex, dynamic, and integrated mathematical modeling of ecological, environmental, or economic systems.
- Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
- Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
- Develop environmental research project plans, including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Write social, legal, or economic impact statements to inform decision makers for natural resource policies, standards, or programs.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve environmental goals in cost-effective ways.
Career Considerations
Advanced Education Requirements
Most positions require a master's or doctoral degree in economics, environmental economics, or related fields due to the technical and analytical nature of the work.
Diverse Employment Sectors
Opportunities exist across government agencies (EPA, Department of Energy), consulting firms, research institutions, and private corporations focusing on sustainability.
Policy-Dependent Job Market
Career prospects are significantly influenced by federal and state environmental policy changes, making awareness of political climate essential for long-term planning.