Original article by Derek Sankey, Financial Post
April 16, 2008
Juergen Gailer is a professor at the University of Calgary who teaches geologists, geophysicists, chemists, biologists and environmental science majors about the strong link between the energy industry, its related professions, and environmental science.
"Environmental science is very interdisciplinary in the first place," Gailer has stated to explain the range of students he teaches. The lines between environmental science and traditional energy jobs, such as engineers and geologists have been blurred. Never before, though, have environmental science skills enjoyed such a high profile.
At the University of Calgary approximately $150-million has been earmarked since February to provide science and technology students with the skills to change our future. Another $125-million has been set aside to fund advanced research and development in carbon capture and storage technologies. Along with another $15-million to advance the development of other technologies that reduce the environmental impact of oilsands there is reason to hope that a greener future is not far off.
"The average person has not been so much informed about what's going on [until now], so environmental science has huge job opportunities for students," he says. Public pressure has led to politicians, the industry and regulators investing heavily in environmental technologies and training in order to properly equip the next generation of energy and environmental professionals.
To read the full article by Derek Sankey, click here.
