Question: If I wanted to save the world, what branch of science would I need to study? Can I save the world? Thanks ;D

  1. I’d be great if you would! The world needs saving in so many ways. I think the greatest challenge facing us into the future is a secure, and renewable energy supply. That probably means physics. I’m interested to see what the others have to say.

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  2. Don’t think zoology will “save the world”! It does however make it a more interesting and meaningful place to live.

    Physics like Matthew said is definitely a candidate, as would chemistry. However for me the biggest issue is probably more to do with human behaviour – so the field of psychology may also be in the running.

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  3. perhaps political science, or maybe neuroscience… no wait I think a multiple degree of biology to understand animals & environment, physics/engineering to solve some water and resource issues, neuroscience to understand how people think and behave and then political science to pull it all together – wow that is a lot of studying. THere must be an easier way 🙂

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  4. It depends what the threat is!

    If it’s external (i.e. not man-made) then I’d have to say physics as well. A lot of engineering is based on physics, so as long as you could apply your knowledge, you’d be able to come up with all sorts of solutions (to deflect asteroids for example).

    If it’s an internal threat, then physics is a good candidate too, although I like the idea of psychology to help change human behaviour.

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  5. Good question! You can’t save the world by yourself, but you can help out by becoming a scientist or an engineer in a relevant area such as environmental science, climate science, geology (ok I’m biased), physics, chemistry etc. But James is right – human behaviour is probably the biggest issue facing our planet. All the science and engineering in the world won’t help unless people in power (i.e. politicians, or other types of leaders in other societies) decide to support and use the great ideas that the scientists come up with. So a career in politics could be a really good move! But I believe that all politicans should spend some time working in the “real world” first, so spending a bit of time as a scientist or engineer first would be a great idea.

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