Science

The emerging "green economy" consists of businesses and careers that focus on developing alternative energy sources, conserving natural resources, and protecting the environment. It includes a range of traditional jobs that are being expanded or modified to meet these goals as well as a variety of new jobs created in response to specific needs, and it has the potential to drive the creation of millions of new "green-collar" careers in the coming years. The Green Careers series examines the key work areas in which green jobs are appearing. Each volume profiles 15 careers and provides all the basic information needed to understand the nature of the job: a history of the profession, key duties, education and training requirements, potential earnings, work environment, outlook for the future, and helpful resources. Box features and interviews provide further information.

Scientists play an important role in efforts to protect the environment and develop renewable sources of energy. Working in a variety of scientific disciplines, they document the natural world, identify environmental problems, and study potential solutions.