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Is being an environmental economist a good fit for you?

Studies the cost and benefit of protecting nature, such as water, air, land and clean energy.

What the work involves

  • Writes technical documents and articles to share study results and economic forecasts.
  • Researches economic and environmental topics, such as pollution control, land use and protecting endangered species.
  • Collects and analyses data to compare the environmental effects of different economic policies.
  • Assesses the costs and benefits of activities and rules that affect the environment and natural resources.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be curious, persuading and organising. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousStrong. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingSome. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingSome. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Mastery. Getting really good at something over time.
  • Independence. Trusted to decide how the work gets done.
  • Security. Steady work in a well-run organisation.

How much training it needs

Degree required. Usually a degree, sometimes more study after. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if an environmental economist is one of yours.

Free. About 15 minutes. No account.

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