University of Guelph

Environmental Science

Environmental problems and climate change are consistently making headlines and are important problems we as humans need to solve. Environmental scientists work to find new and emerging ways to protect our natural world. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies all different aspects of the environment including soils, water, the atmosphere, animals, insects, microbes, policy and so much more.

CHALLENGE STATEMENTS

Alternate Energy Sources

Environmental scientists know that a big driver of climate change is fossil fuels and the carbon they release. Knowing that renewable energy only provides a small percentage of global energy sources at the moment what can we realistically do to make the move away from fossil fuels as soon as possible? What is the best form of alternate energy?

Social Change

Social change and issues are directly linked to climate change and environmental issues. How does social change drive environmental change?

Sustainable Development

A commonly used word in the modern field of environment is “sustainable development”, businesses, governments and corporations use it regularly to explain their future goals, however it is a commonly misunderstood word. What does this term mean and how can environmental scientists truly ensure it is being done?

Limited Knowledge & Understanding

Climate change deniers and a lack of education in environmental issues in the general public have a large impact in the field of environmental sciences? What are some ways environmental scientists can address these issues and work to bridge this gap in knowledge?

Economics & the Environment

Economics and the environment often go hand and hand when looking at ways to sustainably solve environmental issues. Can we realistically sustain the ecological benefits of Earth’s natural resources while still receiving the economic benefits at the same time?

Finding Balance

Those working in the field of the environment are constantly trying to find a balance between the health of the environment and the needs of the human population. Look at the specific example of palm oil production in Southeast Asia and the effect it is having on those ecosystems. At what point does ecosystem health supersede human demand for products and services and vice versa?