[Core] [27% incumbents] Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
  DWAs: Forecast economic, political, or social trends.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
  DWAs: Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
  DWAs: Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies. | Collect environmental data or samples.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
  DWAs: Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate economic and environmental study results, to present policy recommendations, or to raise awareness of environmental consequences.
  DWAs: Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. | Communicate results of environmental research.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve environmental goals in cost-effective ways.
  DWAs: Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes.
  DWAs: Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Demonstrate or promote the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations.
  DWAs: Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
  DWAs: Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Perform complex, dynamic, and integrated mathematical modeling of ecological, environmental, or economic systems.
  DWAs: Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Write social, legal, or economic impact statements to inform decision makers for natural resource policies, standards, or programs.
  DWAs: Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Teach courses in environmental economics.
  DWAs: Teach classes in area of specialization. | Teach social science courses at the college level.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Develop programs or policy recommendations to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
  DWAs: Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects. | Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental and economic data.
  DWAs: Develop environmental research methods.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies.
  DWAs: Prepare proposal documents or grant applications.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
  DWAs: Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Monitor or analyze market and environmental trends.
  DWAs: Monitor market conditions or trends. | Analyze market conditions or trends.

[Core] [27% incumbents] Develop environmental research project plans, including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
  DWAs: Plan environmental research.

[Supplemental] [27% incumbents] Identify and recommend environmentally friendly business practices.
  DWAs: Identify sustainable business practices. | Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

[Supplemental] [27% incumbents] Interpret indicators to ascertain the overall health of an environment.
  DWAs: Interpret research or operational data.

--- SKILLS ---
  Writing (imp:4.12 lvl:4.38) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Reading Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Listening (imp:4.00 lvl:4.25) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Mathematics (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Critical Thinking (imp:4.00 lvl:4.25) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Learning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Speaking (imp:3.50 lvl:4.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:3.75) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Learning Strategies (imp:3.25 lvl:3.75) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:2.38 lvl:2.62) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Mathematics (imp:4.67 lvl:6.26) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Economics and Accounting (imp:4.41 lvl:5.33) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  English Language (imp:3.96 lvl:4.92) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.70 lvl:5.15) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Education and Training (imp:3.19 lvl:4.31) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Law and Government (imp:3.07 lvl:3.56) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Geography (imp:2.48 lvl:4.15) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.38 lvl:3.38) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Communications and Media (imp:2.37 lvl:3.19) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Psychology (imp:2.27 lvl:3.12) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Administration and Management (imp:2.22 lvl:2.85) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Biology (imp:2.22 lvl:3.33) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Administrative (imp:1.96 lvl:2.30) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  History and Archeology (imp:1.81 lvl:2.19) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.78 lvl:2.15) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.78 lvl:1.67) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Physics (imp:1.74 lvl:2.04) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Transportation (imp:1.70 lvl:1.33) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Chemistry (imp:1.65 lvl:1.63) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.63 lvl:2.00) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Design (imp:1.59 lvl:1.30) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:1.48 lvl:1.04) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:1.44 lvl:1.30) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Production and Processing (imp:1.37 lvl:0.81) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Telecommunications (imp:1.35 lvl:0.46) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Building and Construction (imp:1.33 lvl:0.59) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.33 lvl:0.81) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.30 lvl:1.04) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Food Production (imp:1.27 lvl:0.69) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Foreign Language (imp:1.22 lvl:0.48) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Mechanical (imp:1.19 lvl:0.30) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.11 lvl:0.30) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Fine Arts (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Written Comprehension (imp:4.25 lvl:4.88) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:4.12 lvl:4.75) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.88) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Written Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.75) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Number Facility (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.88 lvl:4.38) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Near Vision (imp:3.75 lvl:3.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.25 lvl:4.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:3.25 lvl:4.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.25 lvl:3.25) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Selective Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Memorization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.00 lvl:3.62) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Visualization (imp:2.75 lvl:3.00) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Far Vision (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Time Sharing (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:1.62 lvl:0.75) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Trunk Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Depth Perception (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Auditory Attention (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Sound Localization (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Control Precision (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Response Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:1.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Reaction Time (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Static Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:1.00) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.00) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.85 lvl:6.78) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Getting Information (imp:4.70 lvl:6.30) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Working with Computers (imp:4.63 lvl:4.67) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Processing Information (imp:4.44 lvl:6.07) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.26 lvl:5.74) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:4.19 lvl:5.44) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.04 lvl:5.44) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.89 lvl:5.31) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.85 lvl:5.37) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.77 lvl:5.33) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.76 lvl:5.56) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.73 lvl:5.00) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.67 lvl:4.89) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.41 lvl:4.78) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.33 lvl:4.81) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.30 lvl:4.00) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.27 lvl:4.15) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:3.11 lvl:4.92) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:2.93 lvl:4.00) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.67 lvl:3.67) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:2.50 lvl:3.22) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.41 lvl:2.85) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.41 lvl:3.00) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.27 lvl:2.46) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.20 lvl:2.65) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:2.19 lvl:2.59) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.15 lvl:2.59) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.15 lvl:2.70) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:1.96 lvl:2.52) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:1.89 lvl:2.07) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.81 lvl:1.93) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:1.63 lvl:0.93) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.63 lvl:1.63) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.23 lvl:0.54) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:1.19 lvl:0.30) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:1.15 lvl:0.37) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:1.11 lvl:0.22) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.07 lvl:0.22) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.04 lvl:0.07) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.04 lvl:0.07) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.00) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.62 lvl:3.88) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.62 lvl:4.00) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Systems Analysis (imp:3.38 lvl:3.75) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Instructing (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.75) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Persuasion (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Negotiation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Programming (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.25) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:1.38) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.00) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:1.00) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 17,790
  annual_median    : $124,720
  annual_pct10     : $67,360
  annual_pct25     : $89,330
  annual_pct75     : $174,720
  annual_pct90     : $238,060
  annual_mean      : $142,130
  hourly_median    : $59.96

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : District of Columbia ($167,590)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($70,750)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.369x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (41 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    8,610  median: $ 114,750
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    5,810  median: $ 139,880
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    1,630  median: $ 173,990
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      500  median: $ 118,170
  Educational Services                     emp:      370  median: $ 104,320
  Utilities                                emp:      170  median: $ 136,450
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      170  median: $ 160,150
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:      110  median: $ 112,610
  Manufacturing                            emp:       90  median: $ 180,320
  Information                              emp:       80  median: $       0

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (14 total) ---
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    8,610  median: $ 114,750
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    5,810  median: $ 139,880
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    1,630  median: $ 173,990
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      500  median: $ 118,170
  Educational Services                     emp:      370  median: $ 104,320
  Utilities                                emp:      170  median: $ 136,450
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      170  median: $ 160,150
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:      110  median: $ 112,610
  Manufacturing                            emp:       90  median: $ 180,320
  Information                              emp:       80  median: $       0

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Environmental economics
match_score        : 0.9362
wikidata_qid       : Q753291
word_count         : 3,701
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_economics
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T20:49:52.919726Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
Environmental economics is a sub-field of economics concerned with environmental issues. It has become a widely studied subject due to growing environmental concerns in the twenty-first century. Environmental economics "undertakes theoretical or empirical studies of the economic effects of national or local environmental policies around the world. Particular issues include the costs and benefits of alternative environmental policies to deal with air pollution, water quality, toxic substances, solid waste, and global warming."


== Environmental Versus Ecological Economics ==
Environmental economics is distinguished from ecological economics in that ecological economics emphasizes the economy as a subsystem of the ecosystem with its focus upon preserving natural capital.
One survey of German economists found that ecological and environmental economics are different schools of economic thought, with ecological economists emphasizing "strong" sustainability and rejecting the proposition that human-made ("physical") capital can substitute for natural capital.


== History ==


=== 18th and 19th Century ===
Although the term "environmental economics" became popular beginning in the 1960s, the entwinement of the two fields of environmentalism and economics started much earlier. Starting with economist Marquis de Condorcet in the 18th century, who had an interest in the link between economic activity and environmental issues. This was seen in his usage of externalities while analyzing environmental issues.
During the classical period of economics, Adam Smith realized while the market is able to allocate private goods efficiently for most goods, it fails to do so in some environmental circumstances. It is within these scenarios where the market fails, that the government needs to take action. This is seen in his quote "Erecting and maintaining certain public works and certain public institutions which it can never be for the interest of any individual, or small number of individuals to erect and maintain; because the profit would never repay the expense to any individual or small number of individuals, though it may frequently do much more than repay it to a great society." Thomas Robert Malthus also was another classical economist whose work led to the beginnings of environmental economists. Malthus' theory of population argued that agricultural productivity faces diminishing returns, which ultimately limits the exponential growth of human populations. This thought process later led economists to think about the relationship between resource scarcity and economic development. David Ricardo's writings connected the natural environment and the standard of living which further helped to develop environmental economics later on. He stressed that the value of land varies based on how fertile it is. The last classical economist to add to environmental economics was John Stuart Mill. In his Principles of Political Economy, he wrote that the management of the environment cannot be done by the market and individuals, and is instead a governmental obligation, "[I]s there not the earth itself, its forests and waters, and all other natural riches, above and below the surface? These are the inheritance of the human race, and there must be regulations for the common enjoyment of it. What rights, and under what conditions, a person shall be allowed to exercise over any portion of this common inheritance cannot be left undecided. No function of government is less optional than the regulation of these things, or more completely involved in the idea of civilized society."


=== 20th Century ===
Environmental economics became increasingly more popular in the 19th century. This is when the Resources for the Future (RFF) was established in Washington, D.C. This independent research organization applied economics to environmental issues. During this time H. Scott Gordon released his paper "Economic Theory of a Common Property Resource: The Fishery" which claimed that open access fisheries can be exploited leading to economic rents to be dissipated. Another important paper adding to environmental economics at this time was "Spaceship Earth" by Kenneth E. Boulding. This paper describes the physical limits of earths resources and how technology cannot truly help humans push those limits. Finally, Ronald Coase created an economic solution to environmental issues, which solidified environmental economics as a sub field of economics. He believed that there were two solutions 1) to tax the creator of the polluter and to create regulation that put the burden of action on the polluter or 2) the sufferer must pay the polluter to not pollute.


== Topics and concepts ==


=== Market failure ===

Central to environmental economics is the concept of market failure. Market failure means that markets fail to allocate resources efficiently. As stated by Hanley, Shogren, and White (2007): "A market failure occurs when the market does not allocate scarce resources to generate the greatest social welfare. A wedge exists between what a private person does given market prices and what society might want him or her to do to protect the environment. Such a wedge implies wastefulness or economic inefficiency; resources can be reallocated to make at least one person better off without making anyone else worse off." This results in an inefficient market that needs to be corrected through avenues such as government intervention. Common forms of market failure include externalities, non-excludability and non-rivalry.


=== Externality ===
An externality exists when a person makes a choice that affects other people in a way that is not accounted for in the market price. An externality can be positive or negative but is usually associated with negative externalities in environmental economics. For instance, water seepage in residential buildings occurring in upper floors affect the lower floors. Another example concerns how the sale of Amazon timber disregards the amount of carbon dioxide released in the cutting. Or a firm emitting pollution will typically not take into account the costs that its pollution imposes on others. As a result, pollution may occur in excess of the 'socially efficient' level, which is the level that would exist if the market was required to account for the pollution. A classic definition influenced by Kenneth Arrow and James Meade is provided by Heller and Starrett (1976), who define an externality as "a situation in which the private economy lacks sufficient incentives to create a potential market in some good and the nonexistence of this market results in losses of Pareto efficiency". In economic terminology, externalities are examples of market failures, in which the unfettered market does not lead to an efficient outcome.


=== Common goods and public goods ===
When it is too costly to exclude some people from access to an environmental resource, the resource is either called a common property resource (when there is rivalry for the resource, such that one person's use of the resource reduces others' opportunity to use the resource) or a public good (when use of the resource is non-rivalrous). In either case of non-exclusion, market allocation is likely to be inefficient. 
These challenges have long been recognized. Hardin's (1968) concept of the tragedy of the commons popularized the challenges involved in non-exclusion and common property. "Commons" refers to the environmental asset itself, "common property resource" or "common pool resource" refers to a property right regime that allows for some collective body to devise schemes to exclude others, thereby allowing the capture of future benefit streams; and "open-access" implies no ownership in the sense that property everyone owns nobody owns.
The basic problem is that if people ignore the scarcity value of the commons, they can end up expending too much effort, over harvesting a resource (e.g., a fishery). Hardin theorizes

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Jevons paradox (similarity: 0.3158)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox
  QID: Q1474401
  Extract: In economics, the Jevons paradox, or Jevons effect, is said to occur when technological improvements that increase the efficiency of a resource's use lead to a rise, rather than a fall, in total consumption of that resource. Greater efficiency reduces the amount of the resource needed per applicatio

  Title: Economics (similarity: 0.4848)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economics
  QID: Q8134
  Extract: Economics is a social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

  Title: Ecological economics (similarity: 0.5909)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_economics
  QID: Q1049066
  Extract: Ecological economics, bioeconomics, ecolonomy, eco-economics, or ecol-econ is both a transdisciplinary and an interdisciplinary field of academic research addressing the interdependence and coevolution of human economies and natural ecosystems, both intertemporally and spatially. By treating the eco

  Title: Tim Jackson (economist) (similarity: 0.5532)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Jackson_(economist)
  QID: Q509730
  Extract: Tim Jackson is a British ecological economist and professor of sustainable development at the University of Surrey. He is the director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP), a multi-disciplinary, international research consortium which aims to understand the economic, 

  Title: Sanjeev Sanyal (similarity: 0.2105)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjeev_Sanyal
  QID: Q7418517
  Extract: Sanjeev Sanyal is an Indian economist and popular historian known for writing books based on revisionist Hindutva history which lack scholarly backing. A member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, he has helped prepare six editions of the Economic Survey of India and has

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong data coverage with detailed O*NET profile, clear wage data, and comprehensive task descriptions. Wikipedia match confirms field definition and scope.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T15:48:49.925944+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,381
tokens_output        : 4,245
cost_usd             : $0.045481
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Environmental economics
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms this is a specialized economics sub-field focused on environmental issues, with growing importance due to 21st century environmental concerns. The field specifically studies economic effects of environmental policies and cost-benefit analysis of environmental interventions.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Environmental Economists apply economic principles and statistical techniques to analyze environmental protection policies and natural resource use. They evaluate costs, benefits, and impacts of environmental regulations and alternatives, conducting research on topics like renewable energy, land use, and pollution control. These professionals bridge economics and environmental science to inform policy decisions and promote sustainable practices.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Environmental Economists spend their days analyzing complex datasets to compare environmental implications of different policy options, using mathematical modeling software like SPSS and ArcGIS to forecast economic and environmental outcomes. They write technical reports and academic articles communicating study results, prepare presentations for policymakers and stakeholders, and develop cost-effective recommendations for achieving environmental goals. Much of their work involves collecting and processing environmental and economic data, performing dynamic mathematical modeling of ecological systems, and interpreting information to demonstrate the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations. They also conduct research studying relationships between environmental problems and economic production patterns.

WHO THRIVES:
This role attracts individuals with strong investigative and enterprising traits who excel at analyzing complex problems and communicating findings to diverse audiences. Successful Environmental Economists possess exceptional mathematical reasoning abilities and can handle high-level quantitative analysis while maintaining focus on practical policy applications. They demonstrate advanced written and oral communication skills necessary for translating technical findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers. These professionals typically enjoy working independently on research projects while also engaging with stakeholders to promote environmental initiatives.

CAREER ENTRY:
Environmental Economists typically require extensive preparation with 84.4% holding graduate degrees (44.4% doctoral, 40.7% master's). Entry-level positions usually require a master's degree in economics, environmental economics, or related fields with strong quantitative coursework in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics. Advanced positions and research roles often require doctoral training with specialization in environmental applications of economic theory.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Career advancement typically leads to senior research economist positions, policy director roles in government agencies, or academic appointments at universities. Experienced professionals may become Chief Sustainability Officers in corporations, lead environmental consulting practices, or direct research programs at think tanks and international organizations focused on climate change and environmental policy.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
Environmental Economists earn a median annual salary of $124,720 (BLS OEWS May 2025), with experienced professionals earning up to $238,060 annually. Employment of 17,790 professionals is concentrated in government (8,610) and professional services (5,810), with highest wages in the District of Columbia ($167,590). The field benefits from growing environmental concerns and increasing demand for evidence-based environmental policy, particularly in climate change mitigation and renewable energy transitions. Geographic opportunities span federal agencies, state governments, consulting firms, and academic institutions nationwide.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
This role shows strong resistance to automation due to its emphasis on complex analytical reasoning, creative thinking, and interpreting information for policy audiences. While data processing tools may become more sophisticated, the core functions of developing environmental policy recommendations, conducting original research, and communicating findings to stakeholders require human judgment and expertise that cannot be easily automated.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Economists (19-3011.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share core economics knowledge (4.4 importance) and mathematical reasoning abilities (4.1+ importance).
    data: Economics and Accounting knowledge
    data: Mathematical Reasoning ability
    data: same SOC group
  [task_similarity] Climate Change Policy Analysts (19-2041.01) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both analyze environmental policies and develop recommendations, with shared focus on environmental data analysis.
    data: Environmental policy analysis
    data: Data analysis work activities
    data: Policy recommendation development
  [transferable_skill] Data Scientists (15-2051.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both require complex data analysis (4.8 importance) and mathematical modeling using similar software tools.
    data: Analyzing Data work activity
    data: SPSS and statistical software
    data: Mathematical modeling
  [knowledge_overlap] Statisticians (15-2041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require advanced mathematics knowledge (4.7+ importance) and statistical analysis capabilities.
    data: Mathematics knowledge
    data: Statistical techniques in description
    data: Quantitative analysis focus
  [career_pathway] Economics Teachers, Postsecondary (25-1063.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Advanced degree requirements (84.4% graduate degrees) and research focus create natural academic career progression.
    data: Doctoral degree requirement
    data: Academic article writing
    data: Research-focused tasks
  [riasec_cluster] Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (19-2041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both show strong investigative traits (I:7.00) and focus on environmental analysis and research.
    data: Investigative RIASEC code
    data: Environmental focus
    data: Research orientation
  [career_pathway] Chief Sustainability Officers (11-1011.03) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Environmental policy expertise and cost-benefit analysis skills transfer to executive sustainability roles.
    data: Environmental policy development
    data: Cost-benefit analysis
    data: Sustainability focus

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['environmental economist', 'ecological economist', 'natural resource economist', 'environment economics researcher', 'resource economist', 'environmental protection economist', 'marine resource economist', 'energy economist']
  exclude_keywords : ['general economist', 'financial analyst', 'environmental scientist', 'policy analyst', 'sustainability consultant']
  title_patterns   : ['Environmental Economist', 'Natural Resource Economist', 'Ecological Economist', '*Environmental*Economist*', '*Resource*Economist*']
  common_variations: ['Environmental Economics Analyst', 'Environmental Policy Economist', 'Natural Resources Economics Specialist', 'Ecological Economics Researcher', 'Environmental Economics Consultant', 'Resource Economics Analyst', 'Environmental Impact Economist', 'Climate Economics Researcher']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['environmental', 'economics', 'economic', 'others', 'resource', 'pollution', 'market', 'natural', 'research', 'equipment', 'ecological', 'resources', 'problems', 'principles', 'economists', 'benefits', 'regulations', 'environment', 'production', 'human']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
environmental             122  0.02789  wikipedia            wikipedia:53%  inference:21%  dwas:13%
economics                  62  0.01417  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  inference:6%  onet_tasks:2%
economic                   49  0.01120  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  onet_tasks:24%  inference:14%
others                     35  0.00800  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:80%  wikipedia:14%  dwas:6%
resource                   30  0.00686  wikipedia            wikipedia:83%  onet_tasks:10%  onet_dimensions:3%
pollution                  28  0.00640  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  onet_tasks:4%  inference:4%
market                     28  0.00640  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  dwas:7%  onet_tasks:4%
natural                    26  0.00594  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  onet_tasks:12%  inference:4%
research                   23  0.00526  dwas                 dwas:30%  inference:30%  onet_tasks:17%
equipment                  23  0.00526  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
ecological                 21  0.00480  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  onet_tasks:5%  inference:5%
resources                  20  0.00457  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  onet_dimensions:45%  onet_tasks:5%
problems                   18  0.00411  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  wikipedia:33%  inference:11%
principles                 18  0.00411  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  wikipedia:6%  inference:6%
economists                 18  0.00411  wikipedia            wikipedia:72%  inference:28%
benefits                   15  0.00343  wikipedia            wikipedia:47%  onet_dimensions:20%  inference:20%
regulations                15  0.00343  wikipedia            wikipedia:47%  onet_tasks:13%  onet_dimensions:13%
environment                15  0.00343  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  onet_dimensions:27%  onet_tasks:13%
production                 15  0.00343  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:53%  wikipedia:33%  onet_tasks:7%
human                      15  0.00343  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:47%  wikipedia:47%  inference:7%
public                     14  0.00320  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  onet_dimensions:29%  onet_tasks:14%
cost                       14  0.00320  wikipedia            wikipedia:79%  inference:14%  onet_tasks:7%
control                    13  0.00297  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  wikipedia:23%  onet_tasks:8%
costs                      13  0.00297  wikipedia            wikipedia:46%  onet_dimensions:31%  onet_tasks:15%
activities                 12  0.00274  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  dwas:17%  onet_tasks:8%
government                 12  0.00274  wikipedia            wikipedia:58%  onet_dimensions:25%  inference:17%
includes                   12  0.00274  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
services                   12  0.00274  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  wikipedia:42%  inference:8%
property                   12  0.00274  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  onet_dimensions:8%
non                        12  0.00274  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  onet_dimensions:8%
objects                    12  0.00274  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
value                      12  0.00274  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  onet_dimensions:8%
techniques                 11  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  inference:9%
body                       11  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
developing                 11  0.00251  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  wikipedia:18%  inference:9%
externalities              11  0.00251  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
social                     10  0.00229  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  dwas:20%  onet_tasks:10%
political                  10  0.00229  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  onet_dimensions:10%  dwas:10%
physical                   10  0.00229  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  wikipedia:40%
management                 10  0.00229  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  dwas:20%  wikipedia:10%