USU climate programs expand with interest in environmental science

Due to increased interest among students in mitigating the worsening effects of climate change, universities such as Utah State are responding with more degrees, programs and departments related to climate and environmental sciences. USU has a wide variety of departments under these fields, such as Environment and Society or Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, all intended to teach students how to make careers out of their passions for addressing climate change. 

Casey Olson is a graduate of the climate science program at USU and is pursuing his graduate climate science degree. Olson found his passion for climate science as a first-year student, and he is working with the Utah Climate Center. 

“The climate program here at Utah State started in 2017, and we’re only one of a few across the country that are specifically looking at climate science,” Olson said. 

According to Olson, the program is always changing to meet growing demands for climate and environmental science resources.  

“We’re about to make a shift in the program to have different emphases,” Olson said. “For example, if you wanted to go more into law, you could have a climate science bachelor’s with some law classes, or you could do climate insurance.”  

The program is always expanding to incorporate new subcategories under the umbrella of climate science for students who may be interested in pursuing more niche careers within the subject.  

Since entering the workforce with a climate science degree, Olson said he witnessed the increased demand among students and the job market for climate science career opportunities. 

“The need is there, and there are lots of different needs right now,” Olson said. “With a changing climate, there is an increase from all sectors of the economy, as well as political interest.” 

Though Olson’s life in the professional field of climate science has had its challenges due to funding and ever-changing political tides, it has also been rewarding. 

“Being in this field helps you have a sense of purpose,” Olson said. “I’m contributing to this science that is really important to coming generations.” 

Kelly Kopp is a professor under the Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate at USU and has been working in natural resource sciences since she was an undergraduate.  

In her life as a professor, Kopp said she has seen student interest in environmental and climate-related studies increase, and she believes it is much higher today than it was when she was an undergraduate. 

“I think this is because the risks we face due to climate change are truly global and scientists have been ringing the alarm for many years,” Kopp wrote in a message to The Statesman.  

Kopp said she believes the demand for jobs relating to climate and environmental science has been increasing, and it will continue to do so as the climate change problem develops. 

“We will always need to think about the environment and climate because they are our life support systems,” Kopp wrote. “If we, as a species, do not learn how to manage and live in our natural systems in sustainable ways we simply will not go on.” 

Kopp said these climate jobs are not only helping tackle climate change but are influencing the basic qualities of life systems, which will always need to be kept properly maintained. 

“Do we want clean air and water? Do we want to live as healthfully as possible? Do we want to support other living creatures and systems? I believe we do,” Kopp wrote.