Environmental Economist

In general, environmental economists:

• conduct research on economic and environmental topics (for example, alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, endangered species protection)
• collaborate with others conducting related research (for example, physical and biological scientists)
• study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption
• assess the economic costs and benefits of environmental events or activities using appropriate techniques and methods
• assess the environmental costs and benefits of various economic activities, policies or regulations
• develop economic models, forecasts or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes
• develop environmental research project plans including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines and resource requirements
• develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve economic and environmental sustainability
• examine the sustainability of renewable natural resources and the costs of depletion or rehabilitation
• write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies
• identify and measure the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations
• identify and recommend environmentally friendly business practices
• interpret indicators to ascertain the overall health of an environment as affected by various development activities
• monitor or analyze market and environmental trends.

Environmental economists also write reports and deliver presentations to:

• communicate economic and environmental study results
• communicate possible interactions between economic and environmental impacts of certain future development activities
• present policy recommendations or raise awareness of environmental consequences.

Environmental economists primarily work in offices, often using computers and large databases to compile and analyze data. Some work from offices in their homes. When gathering primary data and obtaining opinions some travel may be required to consult with experts and other stakeholders.

Working conditions can vary significantly over the course of the year. When key decisions are pending or economic or environmental events are affecting business or government, environmental economists may work long hours under pressure to provide accurate, timely analyses.

Environmental economists need the following characteristics:

• strong mathematical, statistical and analytical skills
• an interest in current affairs and the environment
• an above-average ability to use plain language to express complex ideas, in person and on paper
• strong consultation skills.

They should enjoy developing innovative methods and economic models, analyzing information and making economic forecasts, advising others, finding solutions to problems and being part of decision-making in government and business activities.

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

• an increased human need (for example, alternate sources of energy)
• technological advances
• greater specialization within an occupation.

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for environmental economists is unknown.

Environmental economists work in many sectors of the economy but usually are employed by:

• large organizations in finance, business and industry
• industry associations
• environmental organizations
• universities and colleges
• municipal, provincial and federal governments and Crown corporations
• private consulting firms
• international organizations.

Many environmental economists are employed as economic consultants to advise business, industry, government, labour and others. Some environmental economists work for consulting firms or are self-employed.

Environmental economists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4162: Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Wholesale Trade (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) website: www.cfee.org  

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.