Can a career in physics help solve environmental issues?

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SUMMARY

A career in physics can significantly contribute to solving environmental issues, particularly through fields such as fusion research, geophysics, and hydrology. Fusion research, while promising for cleaner energy, presents challenges related to radioactive waste from neutron bombardment. Graduate studies in atmospheric and environmental physics, focusing on aerosols and related phenomena, are also crucial for addressing environmental problems. These areas provide a direct link between advanced physics and practical environmental solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fusion energy principles and challenges
  • Knowledge of geophysics and its applications in environmental science
  • Familiarity with hydrology and water resource management
  • Basic concepts in atmospheric and environmental physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in fusion reactor technology and waste management
  • Explore graduate programs in geophysics and their environmental applications
  • Investigate the role of aerosols in climate change through atmospheric physics studies
  • Learn about hydrological modeling techniques for sustainable water management
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, physicists interested in sustainable energy solutions, and graduate students exploring interdisciplinary fields that merge physics with environmental studies.

dzza
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Are there any fields of physics that one can go into after getting a masters or a phd that merge together experimental or theoretical physics and directly tackling environmental problems. The only thing I could think of is fusion research, which could eventually lead to cleaner energy. More specifically, what particular areas of study in graduate school would be best suited for such a career.
 
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Keep in mind that fusion reactors are not necessarily a lot cleaner than fission reactors. Especially for the easiest fusion reactions to ignite and contain, there ends up being plenty of radioactive stuff that you have to deal with (all the containment apparatus becomes pretty radioactive from all the neutron bombardment). The best part about fusion reactors is that if control of the reaction is lost, the reaction stops. When control is lost in a fission reactor, you get a meltdown and a mess.
 
we have a department of athmospheric and environmental physics that does a lot of research on aerosols etc. there might be something similar around you too.
 

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