How Do I Go into Global Ecology?

Global ecology is a wide, interdisciplinary field that tries to look at the Earth as a single organism. There are many ways to go into global ecology, including career paths and volunteerism. Positions available in the field of global ecology may have widely varying requirements, including college degrees and professional skills.

University degrees are required for many positions that turn global ecology into a full-time career. An undergraduate degree in a science major, such as biology, zoology, or ecology, can be an excellent way to begin a scientific based career in the field. For more advanced scientific positions, a person may also need to obtain a master's degree or doctorate in ecological science. These degrees can open the doors to jobs in research, environmental consultancy, and field ecology. Following a university science track can also allow a person to become a science teacher, giving him or her the opportunity to pass on the principles of global economy to each new generation.

There are many careers in global ecology that do not require a scientific background, but instead rely on other types of university training. One fast-growing profession is environmental law, which requires a law degree, as well as a thorough understanding of environmental issues. Environmental lawyers can help governments create reasonable laws that protect the environment, as well as take part in lawsuits against those who violate environmental laws.

Professional activism is another type of career in global ecology that may take some training. This type of job focuses on lobbying governments to increase environmental protection and educating the public about ecological concerns. While not all activism jobs require a college degree, many upper level positions demand experience in communications, public relations, or political science.

There are also many ways to get into global ecology without making it a full-time career. Many research institutes and field ecology teams are constantly in need of volunteer interns to assist with data gathering. Activist groups often need motivated volunteers to set up fund-raising drives and community development projects that inform the public about local ecological issues. Starting a blog or website that focuses on explaining a particular topic of global ecology is another way to get involved on a non-professional level.

One final way to get into global economy is through charity work and donations. Many environmental groups are in need of outside funding to provide salaries and supplies for team members, buy new equipment and software, and even purchase land in order to protect and preserve it. By donating to a reputable global ecology foundation, a person can do his or her part to protect the environment, even without investing any personal time.