The modern world functions on numbers and data. From your favourite sports to the mobile phone you choose, the data matters. You might not even recognise it, but most of us look for data to determine success, failure and everything in between. For example, when purchasing a car, you look for its safety rating, fuel economy, speed and more importantly, what others think of it. Such is the importance of data that even the environment is now dependent on it. Environmental Analytics is driving to deliver the necessary information.
Environmental Analysis is the process of gathering data relating to our natural world. Statisticians or Data Analysts work with the raw data provided by the experts in the field and make it comprehensible for the layman to understand.
You might not think that such data is necessary for your daily life. However, the environmental statistician provides data on temperature records, air and water pollution, icebergs, tree rings and many other important aspects that directly or indirectly affect us.
The Function of Environmental Analysis And How It Affects Us
As we have mentioned, data on your daily air quality or water purity will help you determine your next steps in consuming those essential items with care. The analysis of the raw data helps people like us understand what the researchers and scientists have worked on. The knowledge of such phenomena can help us as a species one small step at a time.
The data also provides information on an area’s agricultural or energy requirements. For example, India has increased its electricity generation capacity by 117.9 GW, with 64.5 GW from conventional sources and 53.4 GW from renewables. This data was captured, assessed and sorted by a data analyst.
The above statement gives the average citizen an insight into the progress of the nation and its involvement in creating sustainable sources. Thus, citizens will be inspired to adopt such techniques and create a better environment for everyone.
That data is also utilised by government agencies to draw new policies for the benefit of the nation. Businesses use the data for research into a new product, service or their CSR activities. NGOs and similar environmentally-focused independent institutes utilise that data for advocacy and awareness.
Scope of Environmental Analysis and Why You Should Choose It!
Environmental Analysis is not as widespread or known as Business or Big Data Analysis . Students who learn data analysis aren’t even taught about environmental data analysis by most schools. However, the demand for analysts in the field is increasing.
As the world discovers new phenomenons through research, analysts can act as a translator for the raw data produced by the scientists. Their role in creating awareness about the environment is very important. Students who like statistics can start their career in Environmental Analysis.
Experts believe that the demand for statisticians and data analysts is expected to grow approximately by 34% in the coming decade. The regular consumers of the data are entities like governments, businesses in the sector and NGOs that create awareness. Environmental Analyst scope will be high as the demand for data increases.
With the growing carbon footprint and invention of new technology to combat it, environmental data will be required regularly. Even businesses are starting to show interest in the environment and its protection through CSR activities.
There are dedicated international organisations involved in Environmental Analysis. The Society of Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), International Environment Data Rescue Organization (IEDRO), National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP), and many other prominent names are directly involved in the field.
They provide the data to government and private organisations on demand. While their goal is to find a solution to their problem, the data produced is utilised by other entities.
Skills That You Will Need to Start Your Career as an Environmental Analyst
While you may think that the skills required to become an environmental statistician would be similar to a data analyst, that is not the case. You may find some overlapping characteristics between the two roles, an Environmental Analyst requires a particular set of skills.
Here are the skills and aptitude that will be required :
Science Background
Students interested in the field must possess a good understanding of the science involved. As they will be expected to draw statistics for scientific phenomena, any individual unfamiliar with technical terms or their meaning will struggle in presenting the facts.
Analytical Skills
An analytical mindset is essential in drawing conclusions from raw data. It helps see through all the unnecessary information and pick out the important facts. The mindset helps analysts sift through raw data and pick out the right set of facts.
Problem Solving Skills
The analyst must be able to solve the problem at hand to accurately draw data and present the necessary information. Asking the right questions and finding a solution for them is the essence of data analysis.
Thorough Understanding of Tools
As most of the data is sorted and derived through analytical tools, one must possess a thorough understanding of the software. It will reduce the company’s burden of training and allow the analyst to work confidently.
Presentation and Communication Skills
The role of analysts isn’t just to find the right data. They should be able to communicate the right message or information through their data and present it to the company, government agency or a client.
Flexibility with Focusing Fields
The broad spectrum of environmental subjects will require an individual to adapt to those requirements. Data could be on topics like environmental hazards, energy, water systems, ecosystems, waste and garbage disposal, pollution, meteorological, emissions and sustainability.
Understanding Regulations and Policies
Apart from the topics themselves, the analyst must be familiar with the regulations and government policies so that the data can accurately reflect the information. Environment policies should be considered when drawing conclusions from a dataset.
Students who are interested can acquire the necessary statistical and analytical skills through Big Data Analysis programs. The course will help students understand raw data and get a specific set of details from it.
Both the environmental background and in-depth knowledge of data analysis is required to become a successful Environmental Analyst.
Choosing Environmental Analysis as a full-time career is a tough choice right now. As the field is relatively unknown, the hesitation is valid. But the growth is exponential, both for the individual and the entire industry.
While we don’t have a specific program that can help start your career in environmental data analysis, there are good alternatives that can help you break into the field. Big Data Analytics is the best course to acquire the majority of skills required by the industry.
Another important factor to consider would be the institute that you choose. The course may be offered by many, but the quality of education varies. Choosing a good school like the FORE School of Management will give you better opportunities due to their advanced teaching methods and industry-oriented curriculum. You will also get placement assistance from the institute.
The scope in environmental analysis is high. Find success in your dream career by learning data analysis from one of the best management institutes in India!