The use of CFCs in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosols has led to the decline of the ozone layer causing harmful ultra violet rays from the sun to reach the surface of the earth. Deforestation and poaching has led to a rapid decline in our wildlife and many species are on the verge of extinction. The fumes released into the atmosphere by industries and vehicles have resulted in unprecedented pollution levels causing a multitude of diseases. Release of untreated effluents into our water resources has rendered water from our rivers unfit for consumption. With the growing awareness about the proper use of our finite and fragile natural resources, there is a crying need for committed environmentalists in our country today.
Environmentalists find their job profile to be increasing every day.
The nature of work of an environmentalist is a combination of science, law, ethics and socio-economics. The range of duties includes pollution detection and control, spreading awareness about the environment and development of environment friendly products and processes. These are explained in details below. They are also responsible for the safe disposal of hazardous waste generated by various industries, power plants as well as the daily garbage collected in cities. Some scientists and engineers also work together with scientists from other disciplines such as botany, zoology, and microbiology to evolve new techniques for conservation of wildlife, forests and other natural resources.