What is Sustainability Science?

Sustainability science is an emerging field of academic research. Sustainability scientists focus on understanding and addressing the complex interactions between humans and the natural world from an interdisciplinary perspective. Their goal is to find solutions that meet humanity's current needs without compromising the future in the realm of natural and social sciences and the humanities. Sustainability science often centers around challenges involving climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.

The core of sustainability science is developing holistic solutions that ensure human societies can thrive while protecting our planet and its ability to sustain life for the long term. To do this, sustainability scientists draw on knowledge and data from multiple scientific fields, such as environmental science, economics, sociology and engineering.

Sustainability scientists often tackle challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality by promoting positive social transformation and policies that support sustainable development. Sustainable technologies, resource management strategies, and policy frameworks are all applications of sustainability science.

What Do Sustainability Scientists Do?

As a field, sustainability science is defined more by the problems it addresses than the disciplines it uses to address them. A successful sustainability scientist will excel at incorporating scientific research with a wide range of ideas, perspectives, and knowledge outside of a scientific background. Collaboration between scientists, stakeholders, policy makers, and the communities impacted by their decisions is essential for sustainable methods to take root and flourish.

In practice, sustainability scientists provide guidance and support to a range of clients with various environmental management needs. They need to understand and apply environmental policies from the local to federal level while auditing client operations for compliance. They may prepare written reports, recommendations, correspondence, and appeals as they collaborate with regulatory agencies and individuals. They may also manage sustainability initiatives and coordinate challenging issues that extend beyond the boundaries of a given project.

Sustainability scientists use the same methods as other scientists to do their work. They determine data collection methods for research, investigations, and surveys. They collect and compile environmental, sociological, and fiscal data, including qualitative surveys and environmental samples. Sustainability science involves assessing this data to identify potential hazards or inefficiencies and develop plans for sustainable solutions. Sustainability scientists then provide recommendations to clients in industry, government, and communities to guide them toward a more sustainable future.

What Skills Do Sustainability Scientists Need?

In order to succeed in a field driven by challenges and solutions, sustainability scientists need a flexible range of skills and knowledge related to humans and their interactions with the environment. This can include specialized knowlege in areas like water management, regenerative agriculture, natural resources, the circular economy, and nature capital. All of these areas require field and lab expertise and foundational scientific knowledge, with the flexibility to adapt to changes in technology and available information.

Technological changes have revolutionized the way sustainability scientists collect, curate, analyze, and visualize data. The modern sustainability scientist may make use of machine learning models, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing to help automate increasingly complex data collection, along with data cleaning and analysis. Handling complex data while managing digital workspaces and using new technologies is a regular practice in sustainability science.

Datasets are far from the only complex systems sustainability scientists study. Systems-thinking principles support multifunctional, holistic solutions that balance the needs of humans with their environment. Systems thinking is a naturally interdisciplinary approach that helps sustainability scientists stay aware of how systems impact each other, whether environmental, social, or economic interactions are being examined. They must also work within these systems while advocating for change, which means strong science communication, leadership, collaboration, and community engagement skills are necessary. 

What Tasks Do Sustainability Scientists Do?

Sustainability scientists are responsible for collecting and analyzing data, developing sustainability plans, and communicating their findings to stakeholders. Depending on their role, they may spend time in the field collecting data on environmental conditions, such as air and water quality, soil samples, or biodiversity. Their responsibilities often then move to the lab, where they conduct experiments and assess environmental impact using data analysis and specialized equipment. This work helps identify challenges and solutions, and informs the sustainability plans they develop.

It is rare for a sustainability scientist to be the final decision-maker when it comes to environmental policies or enacting sustainable initiatives. Sustainability scientists typically present their findings and plans to various stakeholders, and then implement approved sustainable practices, such as promoting renewable energy, improving waste management, or restoring ecosystems. This communication and implementation often involves collaboration, writing reports, and engaging the public in their initiatives.

A typical day as a sustainability scientist may include collecting and analyzing water samples, developing a plan to reduce a company’s greenhouse gas emissions, working with a community to restore wildlife habitats, and meeting with government officials to discuss the impact of a new development project.

How Does Sustainability Affect Society?

Sustainable practices help keep communities clean, healthy, and thriving in the long term by focusing on efficient use of resources and conserving the natural environment, while considering human and societal needs. 

On the global scale, a more sustainable world reduces climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, preserving Earth for future generations. On a more local or regional level, sustainability leads to cleaner air and water for healthier residents. Local and regional sustainability preserves biodiversity for a balanced ecosystem while also supporting healthy economic innovation. In the business world, sustainability increases the efficiency of resource use while reducing a company’s long-term impact on the environment.

Sustainable business practices focus on:

• Reducing waste and promoting recycling 
• Implementing sustainable supply chain practices
• Transitioning to renewable energy sources
• Adopting other climate change solutions into everyday business practices

What Challenges Does Sustainability Science Help Address?

Sustainability science is defined not by the disciplines it delves into but by the challenges it addresses. Some examples of common challenges a sustainability scientist might tackle are:

Climate Change

Sustainability scientists research the causes of climate change and develop ways to mitigate them, promoting adaptation to practices that have a smaller impact on the environment. A sustainability scientist working in business might monitor greenhouse gas emissions and recommend ways to reduce them. While working with city planners, for example, they could recommend accessible public transportation that reduces the need for individual vehicles within the city.

Biodiversity Loss

Sustainability scientists work to preserve the biodiversity essential for humanity's long-term survival on the planet. In the public sector, they could develop a plan for an over-and-under wildlife crossing to reduce how much a new highway disrupts animal migration. For a new office building, a sustainability scientist could recommend window decals that make the glass more visible to birds, reducing mortality from strikes.

Resource Depletion

Humans need natural resources, but resource scarcity is a growing concern in many areas. Sustainability scientists can help reduce resource depletion by developing plans to reclaim and safely reuse wastewater, or researching ways to mine resources from recycled materials. 

Social Equity

Sustainable practices are designed to protect the planet and make the world a better place for humanity. A plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions means people living and working near a factory can breathe cleaner air. Accessible transportation helps people with disabilities or in difficult financial situations get to work, school, and engage with their communities. Wildlife crossings help reduce car accidents caused by deer and other displaced species. Healthy bird populations reduce pests and insects that can carry disease and damage infrastructure. Safely reclaimed wastewater protects fresh, clean drinking water for everyone. Recycling materials reduces the need for landfills, leaving more room for humans to live, grow, and thrive.

What Careers Are There in Sustainability Science?

A career in sustainability science can take many forms, whether in industry or the public sector. Here are some examples of sustainability jobs and positions where a sustainability science background would be considered an asset:

• Environmental Scientists conduct research related to environmental and human health. They typically inspect public spaces, monitor pollution levels, collect samples, and identify health hazards. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7 percent annual growth in job opportunities for this career through 2033.
• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians develop solutions to planetary health problems. They perform quality control checks, design systems that protect the environment, and monitor environmental improvement programs. They typically make an average $105,840 per year and can expect faster than average (7 percent) job growth through 2033.
• Renewable Energy Analysts evaluate and monitor renewable energy sources and technologies, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. A niche in the data sciences profession, renewable energy analysis is a rapidly growing career field with 36 percent job growth anticipated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics through 2033.
• Urban and Regional Planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. The average urban planner makes $85,940 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Energy Auditors, also known as energy raters or energy consultants, help prevent energy waste by inspecting buildings. For example, they can locate leaky windows or other areas that are causing heating and cooling losses, making homes more efficient and lowering utility costs. They make between $73,000 to $133,000 per year (Glassdoor.com, July 2025).

Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024.

How Much Do Sustainability Scientists Earn?

Wages for a job in sustainability science will vary based on job title, experience, location, and whether the job is in the public or private sector. 

The Future of Sustainability Science

Sustainability science is a quickly evolving field driven by technological advancements, social value shifts, and the growing urgency of sustainability challenges. As the field expands and gains influence, scientists in the field hope to bring sustainability to the centers of human activity, from policy to development to industry. This means balancing competing priorities and values while increasing focus on implementation, as well as considering both the transdisciplinary perspectives and wider context of these solutions.

Technological advances play an important role in the future of this discipline. Sustainability scientists are working with larger and more complex datasets than ever. Artificial intelligence and machine learning models are transforming the field, allowing scientists to process and analyze data more efficiently, predict environmental impacts, and integrate data from multiple sources. Advancements in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agricultural technologies can both be driven by and drive innovation in sustainability efforts. 

Pursuing a Sustainability Science Degree

There are several paths you can take to a career as a sustainability scientist. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. These tips from our academic advisor can help prepare you to pursue a degree in sustainability science or a related field.

Tips for High School Students

If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into a sustainability science field, here are some things to consider.

• Focus on your science and social science classes and economics courses, as these will form the basis for your sustainability education. Additionally, courses related to math and statistics may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not sustainability science may be right for you.
• Read overviews of different sustainability science degrees to get a sense for one you may want to pursue.
• Seek internships and volunteer opportunities with sustainability initiatives, like government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and environmental consulting firms.
• Join student clubs focused on sustainability or start an initiative of your own in your school or community.

Choosing a College/University for Sustainability Science

Selecting a school to study sustainability science can be a difficult decision. Follow these tips to help you.

• Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called sustainability science to have a successful career in this industry. Look for degrees that fall within the sustainability science, social science, and environmental science umbrellas.
• Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees, since most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
• Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the program(s), scholarships, and financial aid opportunities, along with application requirements and deadlines.
• Consider schools with opportunities to gain research experience and learn about geographic information systems, data analysis, and environmental modeling. 

Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Keep track of various application deadlines so you don't miss them.

Tips for College Students

If you’re currently in college, these tips can help ensure your success in the sustainability science field of your choice.

• Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in a sustainability science field.
• Gain experience in real sustainability projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
• Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant sustainability science experience during and after your college career.
• Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
• Explore minors and electives in a variety of fields. Sustainability science requires a broad base of knowledge and ability to understand and balance opposing perspectives.
• Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.