How to Be Environmental Economist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing population and economic growth have significantly contributed to environmental degradation, as the demand for natural resources has grown. This has caused an increase in pollution and a decrease in the availability of clean water, leading to serious health and economic consequences. For example, air pollution has been linked to an increase in asthma and other respiratory illnesses, while the lack of clean water has made it difficult for farmers to grow crops efficiently, resulting in higher food prices.

To address this issue, environmental economists have proposed various solutions such as the implementation of taxes and subsidies to curb emissions, or the use of technology to increase resource efficiency. These measures help to promote sustainability and protect our environment while also encouraging economic growth.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an environmental economist is to obtain a bachelor's degree in economics, environmental studies, or a related field.
Complete Graduate-Level Education. Most environmental economists have at least a master's degree in economics or environmental studies.
Get Work Experience. Environmental economists need both academic and practical experience. Therefore, prospective environmental economists should pursue internships or entry-level positions in the field.
Pass Any Necessary Licensing Exams. Depending on the job, a professional may need to pass a licensing exam in order to become an environmental economist.
Keep Up With Relevant Trends. Environmental economics is a rapidly-developing field. Therefore, it is important for environmental economists to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. This can be done by attending conferences, subscribing to relevant publications, and engaging in research.

As the world continues to industrialize and develop, environmental economics has become an increasingly important field of study. This is because environmental economics helps to create a better understanding of how economic activities and policies can cause environmental damage and how to identify and implement the most cost-effective solutions for reducing this damage. Environmental economists investigate the causes and consequences of pollution, climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and other environmental issues.

They also work to identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce environmental degradation and create sustainable development. By analyzing the costs and benefits of various policy options, environmental economists can help governments make informed decisions that will benefit both the environment and the economy. With a better understanding of the long-term effects of our choices, we can ensure that our current and future generations have access to clean air, water, and land.

You may want to check Cost Analyst, Development Economist, and Economic Consultant for alternative.

Job Description

Policy Analyst
Environmental Consultant
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Natural Resource Economist
Sustainable Development Consultant
Environmental Analyst
Water Quality Analyst
Land Use Planner
Climate Change Researcher
Carbon Management Analyst

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of economic theory and its application to environmental issues
Understanding of the impact of environmental policies on the economy
Knowledge of the economic aspects of natural resource management
Ability to identify and quantify the economic costs and benefits of various environmental projects
Understanding of the legal and political frameworks that shape environmental policies
Familiarity with environmental data collection and analysis methods
Expertise in quantitative analysis and modeling
Ability to interpret and communicate complex economic ideas
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to work in teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders

As an environmental economist, it is essential to possess a broad set of skills, including the ability to analyze data, think critically, and present information in a clear, concise way. Strong analytical skills are necessary to assess the economic costs and benefits of environmental policies and to develop models to predict the impact of such policies. Critical thinking skills are essential for evaluating the data gathered and developing viable solutions.

Furthermore, excellent communication skills are necessary for effectively presenting findings to stakeholders, advocating for policy change, and negotiating with other organizations. the ability to understand how economic forces interact with the environment is essential for any environmental economist to be successful.

Labor Economist, Research Economist, and Business Intelligence Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in environmental economics?
How do you stay up to date on developments in the field?
Describe a recent project or research paper you have worked on that relates to environmental economics.
What do you think are the most pressing environmental economic issues facing society today?
What methods do you use to analyze environmental economic data?
How would you go about forecasting future environmental economic trends?
What strategies do you think are most effective for policy makers when addressing environmental economic issues?
What challenges have you faced when working with stakeholders on environmental economic initiatives?
How do you ensure that your work is accurate and reliable when analyzing environmental economic data?
What areas of environmental economics interest you the most and why?

Common Tools in Industry

Stata. Statistical analysis and data management software used for data analysis, data management, graphics, and simulations. (e. g. used to analyze data from surveys on the economic impact of green energy policies).
GIS. Geographic Information System software used for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization. (e. g. used to map the distribution of renewable energy sources in a region).
CGE. Computable General Equilibrium Modeling software used to simulate the effects of economic policies on the global or national economy. (e. g. used to analyze the economic impacts of a carbon tax).
Excel. Spreadsheet software used for data analysis and data manipulation. (e. g. used to collect and organize data on energy prices in different countries).
R. Statistical programming language used for data analysis and manipulation. (e. g. used to analyze the effects of environmental regulations on economic growth).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Economic Association
Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
International Association for Energy Economics
Resources for the Future
International Water Resources Association
European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
American Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
International Society for Ecological Economics
Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis
World Bank Research Network on Environment and Energy

We also have Senior Economist, Quantitative Researcher, and Market Economist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A process of evaluating the potential impacts of a proposed project or development on the environment, including the assessment of potential risks and benefits.
Ecological Economics. A branch of economics that examines the relationship between economic activity and its environmental effects.
Sustainability. The concept of making economic decisions that consider the long-term environmental impact of activities.
Natural Resource Management. The practice of managing natural resources so that they are used responsibly and sustainably.
Cost-Benefit Analysis. An economic assessment that evaluates the costs and benefits of a proposed project or development.
Pollution Control. Measures taken to reduce or eliminate pollution, such as regulations and emissions standards.
Climate Change. A long-term shift in average global temperatures and weather patterns caused by an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Environmental Economist? A1: An Environmental Economist is a specialist in the field of economics who focuses on the relationship between environmental issues and economic policy. Q2: What are some of the key tasks of an Environmental Economist? A2: An Environmental Economist will analyze the costs and benefits of various environmental policies, advise governments on the most efficient ways to allocate resources, and research methods to reduce environmental damage while maintaining economic growth. Q3: What type of degree is required to become an Environmental Economist? A3: To become an Environmental Economist, a graduate degree in economics or a related field such as environmental science or public policy is typically required. Q4: What other skills are needed to be successful in this field? A4: To be successful in the field of Environmental Economics, strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills, are essential. Q5: What is the job outlook for Environmental Economists? A5: The job outlook for Environmental Economists is positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting a 3 percent growth rate through 2024.