Climate Change & Role of Environmental Engineer

Climate change, more aptly put ‘climate crisis’, is no joke. While more than half the world’s population is well aware of how global warming is catching up to us in real time with visible consequences, a bunch of ignorant people continue to deny all the scientific findings that prove the planet earth is unnaturally heating up. Humans, having inhabited the world for millions of years, are more than responsible for the days we’re headed to. 

Ever since the human population outgrew the other living species on the face of the planet, we have been dependent on the resources to the extent of causing irreversible harm to nature. Some of our actions, including burning fossil fuels, felling trees, and farming livestock among others have been increasingly influencing the climate and the earth’s temperature. These have been adding enormous amounts of greenhouse emissions to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere, eventually increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming. 

In New Zealand, an island country that is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the effects of climate change are expected to bring irreversible changes to the country. Higher rainfall, rising sea levels, higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather conditions are some of the expected changes. It is here where the role of civil and environmental engineering in New Zealand becomes relevant. The engineers in this field are essential in learning and implementing ways to adapt to climate change, especially in changes to precipitation patterns that occur across the globe. At a glance, civil and environmental engineers have not been active in the works to curb climate change impacts as they should, but we hope they will be in future. The investigations, the designs, and the structures created by these engineers will be crucial in alleviating and curbing the perils of the climate crisis. 

Widely regarded as the best country for environmental engineers, New Zealand boasts a wealth of natural resources and diverse ecosystems and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Some of the steps taken by the New Zealand government towards environmental sustainability include the Zero Carbon Act of 2019 which has set a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and set up a framework for reducing emissions. If you’re curious as to the topics that would be covered in an environmental engineering course in New Zealand, here is a glimpse into it. The country also strongly focuses on renewable energy, wherein 80% of its electricity is generated from renewable resources such as wind, geothermal and hydropower. Thirdly, the country has a National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management which holds the objectives and policies for sustainably managing freshwater resources, with a particular focus on improving water quality. Next in line is the target of ‘Predator-Free 2050’, which aims to diminish the intrusion of invasive predators from the country by 2050 to protect native wildlife. Taking a step towards sustainable agriculture, the country’s government has implemented various initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, including the Sustainable Farming Fund, which provides funds for projects that focus on sustainable land use and reduced environmental impacts. And finally, the measures taken towards the conservation of New Zealand’s biodiversity are commendable as the country has implemented several initiatives to protect its rich biodiversity while creating marine reserves by 2050. These factors and initiatives taken up by the New Zealand government make it the best country for environmental engineers inspired to find jobs and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Environmental engineers coming to New Zealand to pursue a career and settle down in life have all good reasons to do so due to its high-quality education system, strong environmental focus and high standards of living. Like most countries across the world, New Zealand is one of the countries that crucially need environmental engineers to address its crises. The universities in the country offer world-class education with most of them having centres dedicated to environmental research that provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects. New Zealand does not disappoint anyone who wishes to settle down in the country too, as it offers a high quality of life with excellent infrastructure, healthcare and other services. The straightforward immigration system and varied visa options available for skilled professionals, including environmental engineers, make New Zealand a remarkable option for immigrants, not to mention the government offers support and resources of many kinds to new immigrants to help them settle in and adapt well to the life in the country.  

If you’re looking at study programs that you could pursue to become an environmental engineer in New Zealand, here are some of the courses offered by various institutions in the country, including the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, and Massey University. 

1. Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) – This four-year UG program provides students with a strong understanding of the principles of environmental engineering. It mostly focuses on water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and environmental impact assessment.
2. Master of Engineering (Environmental) – This two-year postgraduate degree program provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in environmental engineering. It focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental management.
3. Master of Environmental Science – This two-year postgraduate degree program provides students with a deep understanding of environmental science, including the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect the environment.
4. Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering – This one-year postgraduate program provides students with an understanding in environmental engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable design and environmental management.
5. Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management – This short-term program provides students with a basic understanding of environmental management principles and practices.

When it comes to salary, an environmental engineer in New Zealand can earn up to NZD 71,000 per year on average, depending on the type of employer, level of experience and location. However, this scale can differ between NZD 51,000 and NZD 101,000 per year depending on the factors mentioned above. Those engineers working for government agencies or consulting firms would be entitled to earn higher salaries than those working for private companies. Moreover, people working in urban areas such as Auckland or Wellington also may typically get more paid than those in rural areas. And finally, environmental engineers with several years of experience with valid qualifications can earn even higher salaries, with some earning over NZD 120,000 per year.