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Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Research topics and ideas within the environmental sciences

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

  • Ecology /ecological science
  • Atmospheric science
  • Oceanography
  • Soil science
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Environmental economics
  • Environmental ethics
  • Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

  • The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
  • The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
  • The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
  • Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
  • The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
  • The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
  • The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
  • The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
  • The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
  • The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

  • The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
  • The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
  • The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
  • Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
  • The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
  • The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
  • The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
  • The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
  • The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
  • The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Research topic evaluator

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

  • The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
  • The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
  • The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
  • Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
  • The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
  • The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
  • The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
  • The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
  • The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
  • The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Research topic idea mega list

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

  • The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
  • The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
  • The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
  • Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
  • The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
  • The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
  • The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
  • The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
  • The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
  • The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Topics & Ideas: Geology

  • The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
  • The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
  • The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
  • Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
  • The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
  • The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
  • The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
  • The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
  • The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
  • The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

  • The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
  • The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
  • The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
  • Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
  • The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
  • The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
  • The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
  • The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
  • The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
  • The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

  • The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
  • The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
  • The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
  • Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
  • The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
  • The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
  • The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
  • The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
  • The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
  • The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

  • The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
  • The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
  • The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
  • Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
  • The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
  • The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
  • The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
  • The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
  • The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
  • The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

  • The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
  • The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
  • The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
  • Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
  • The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
  • The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
  • The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
  • The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
  • The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
  • The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

  • The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
  • The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
  • Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
  • Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
  • Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
  • Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
  • The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
  • Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
  • Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
  • Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
  • A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
  • Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
  • Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
  • Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your environmental science dissertation or research project, be sure to check out our private coaching services below, as well as our Research Topic Kickstarter .

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50 Best Environmental Science Research Topics

May 31, 2023

environmental topics for thesis

Environmental science is a varied discipline that encompasses a variety of subjects, including ecology, atmospheric science, and geology among others. Professionals within this field can pursue many occupations from lab technicians and agricultural engineers to park rangers and environmental lawyers. However, what unites these careers is their focus on how the natural world and the human world interact and impact the surrounding environment. There is also one other significant commonality among environmental science careers: virtually all of them either engage in or rely on research on environmental science topics to ensure their work is accurate and up to date.

In this post, we’ll outline some of the best environmental science research topics to help you explore disciplines within environmental science and kickstart your own research. If you are considering majoring in environmental science or perhaps just need help brainstorming for a research paper, this post will give you a broad sense of timely environmental science research topics.

What makes a research topic good?

Before we dive into specific environmental science research topics, let’s first cover the basics: what qualities make for a viable research topic. Research is the process of collecting information to make discoveries and reach new conclusions. We often think of research as something that occurs in academic or scientific settings. However, everyone engages in informal research in everyday life, from reading product reviews to investigating statistics for admitted students at prospective colleges . While we all conduct research in our day-to-day lives, formal academic research is necessary to advance discoveries and scholarly discourses. Therefore, in this setting, good research hinges on a topic in which there are unanswered questions or ongoing debates. In other words, meaningful research focuses on topics where you can say something new.

However, identifying an interesting research topic is only the first step in the research process. Research topics tend to be broad in scope. Strong research is dependent on developing a specific research question, meaning the query your project will seek to answer. While there are no comprehensive guidelines for research questions, most scholars agree that research questions should be:

1) Specific

Research questions need to clearly identify and define the focus of your research. Without sufficient detail, your research will likely be too broad or imprecise in focus to yield meaningful insights. For example, you might initially be interested in addressing this question: How should governments address the effects of climate change? While that is a worthwhile question to investigate, it’s not clear enough to facilitate meaningful research. What level of government is this question referring to? And what specific effects of global warming will this research focus on? You would need to revise this question to provide a clearer focus for your research. A revised version of this question might look like this: How can state government officials in Florida best mitigate the effects of sea-level rise?

Our interest in a given topic often starts quite broad. However, it is difficult to produce meaningful, thorough research on a broad topic. For that reason, it is important that research questions be narrow in scope, focusing on a specific issue or subtopic. For example, one of the more timely environmental science topics is renewable energy. A student who is just learning about this topic might wish to write a research paper on the following question: Which form of renewable energy is best? However, that would be a difficult question to answer in one paper given the various ways in which an energy source could be “best.” Instead, this student might narrow their focus, assessing renewable energy sources through a more specific lens: Which form of renewable energy is best for job creation?

 3) Complex

As we previously discussed, good research leads to new discoveries. These lines of inquiry typically require a complicated and open-ended research question. A question that can be answered with just a “yes” or “no” (or a quick Google search) is likely indicative of a topic in which additional research is unnecessary (i.e. there is no ongoing debate) or a topic that is not well defined. For example, the following question would likely be too simple for academic research: What is environmental justice? You can look up a definition of environmental justice online. You would need to ask a more complex question to sustain a meaningful research project. Instead, you might conduct research on the following query: Which environmental issue(s) disproportionately impact impoverished communities in the Pacific Northwest? This question is narrower and more specific, while also requiring more complex thought and analysis to answer.

4) Debatable

Again, strong research provides new answers and information, which means that they must be situated within topics or discourses where there is ongoing debate. If a research question can only lead to one natural conclusion, that may indicate that it has already been sufficiently addressed in prior research or that the question is leading. For example, Are invasive species bad? is not a very debatable question (the answer is in the term “invasive species”!). A paper that focused on this question would essentially define and provide examples of invasive species (i.e. information that is already well documented). Instead, a researcher might investigate the effects of a specific invasive species. For example: How have Burmese pythons impacted ecosystems in the Everglades, and what mitigation strategies are most effective to reduce Burmese python populations?

Therefore, research topics, including environmental science topics, are those about which there are ample questions yet to be definitively answered. Taking time to develop a thoughtful research question will provide the necessary focus and structure to facilitate meaningful research.

10 Great Environmental Science Research Topics (With Explanations!)

Now that we have a basic understanding of what qualities can make or break a research topic, we can return to our focus on environmental science topics. Although “great” research topics are somewhat subjective, we believe the following topics provide excellent foundations for research due to ongoing debates in these areas, as well as the urgency of the challenges they seek to address.

1) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Although climate change is now a well-known concept , there is still much to be learned about how humans can best mitigate and adapt to its effects. Mitigation involves reducing the severity of climate change. However, there are a variety of ways mitigation can occur, from switching to electric vehicles to enforcing carbon taxes on corporations that produce the highest carbon emission levels. Many of these environmental science topics intersect with issues of public policy and economics, making them very nuanced and versatile.

In comparison, climate change adaptation considers how humans can adjust to life in an evolving climate where issues such as food insecurity, floods, droughts, and other severe weather events are more frequent. Research on climate change adaptation is particularly fascinating due to the various levels at which it occurs, from federal down to local governments, to help communities anticipate and adjust to the effects of climate change.

Both climate change mitigation and adaptation represent excellent environmental science research topics as there is still much to be learned to address this issue and its varied effects.

2) Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is another fairly mainstream topic in which there is much to learn and research. Although scientists have identified many forms of sustainable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, questions remain about how to best implement these energy sources. How can politicians, world leaders, and communities advance renewable energy through public policy? What impact will renewable energy have on local and national economies? And how can we minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy technologies? While we have identified alternatives to fossil fuels, questions persist about the best way to utilize these technologies, making renewable energy one of the best environmental science topics to research.

3) Conservation

Conservation is a broad topic within environmental science, focusing on issues such as preserving environments and protecting endangered species. However, conservation efforts are more challenging than ever in the face of a growing world population and climate change. In fact, some scientists theorize that we are currently in the middle of a sixth mass extinction event. While these issues might seem dire, we need scientists to conduct research on conservation efforts for specific species, as well as entire ecosystems, to help combat these challenges and preserve the planet’s biodiversity.

4) Deforestation

The Save the Rainforest movement of the 1980s and 90s introduced many people to the issue of deforestation. Today, the problems associated with deforestation, such as reduced biodiversity and soil erosion, are fairly common knowledge. However, these challenges persist due, in part, to construction and agricultural development projects. While we know the effects of deforestation, it is more difficult to identify and implement feasible solutions. This is particularly true in developing countries where deforestation is often more prevalent due to political, environmental, and economic factors. Environmental science research can help reduce deforestation by identifying strategies to help countries sustainably manage their natural resources.

Environmental Science Topics (Continued)

5) urban ecology.

When we think of “the environment,” our brains often conjure up images of majestic mountain ranges and lush green forests. However, less “natural” environments also warrant study: this is where urban ecology comes in. Urban ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and their environment in urban settings. Through urban ecology, researchers can address topics such as how greenspaces in cities can reduce air pollution, or how local governments can adopt more effective waste management practices. As one of the newer environmental science topics, urban ecology represents an exciting research area that can help humans live more sustainably.

6) Environmental Justice

While environmental issues such as climate change impact people on a global scale, not all communities are affected equally. For example, wealthy nations tend to contribute more to greenhouse-gas emissions. However, less developed nations are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change . Studies within the field of environmental justice seek to understand how issues such as race, national origin, and income impact the degree to which people experience hardships from environmental issues. Researchers in this field not only document these inequities, but also identify ways in which environmental justice can be achieved. As a result, their work helps communities have access to clean, safe environments in which they can thrive.

7) Water Management

Water is, of course, necessary for life, which is why water management is so important within environmental science research topics. Water management research ensures that water resources are appropriately identified and maintained to meet demand. However, climate change has heightened the need for water management research, due to the occurrence of more severe droughts and wildfires. As a result, water management research is necessary to ensure water is clean and accessible.

8) Pollution and Bioremediation

Another impact of the increase in human population and development is heightened air, water, and soil pollution. Environmental scientists study pollutants to understand how they work and where they originate. Through their research, they can identify solutions to help address pollution, such as bioremediation, which is the use of microorganisms to consume and break down pollutants. Collectively, research on pollution and bioremediation helps us restore environments so they are sufficient for human, animal, and plant life.

9) Disease Ecology

While environmental science topics impact the health of humans, we don’t always think of this discipline as intersecting with medicine. But, believe it or not, they can sometimes overlap! Disease ecology examines how ecological processes and interactions impact disease evolution. For example, malaria is a disease that is highly dependent on ecological variables, such as temperature and precipitation. Both of these factors can help or hinder the breeding of mosquitoes and, therefore, the transmission of malaria. The risk of infectious diseases is likely to increase due to climate change , making disease ecology an important research topic.

10) Ecosystems Ecology

If nothing else, the aforementioned topics and their related debates showcase just how interconnected the world is. None of us live in a vacuum: our environment affects us just as we affect it. That makes ecosystems ecology, which examines how ecosystems operate and interact, an evergreen research topic within environmental science.

40 More Environmental Science Research Topics

Still haven’t stumbled upon the right environmental science research topic? The following ideas may help spark some inspiration:

  • The effects of agricultural land use on biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • The impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems.
  • How wildfires and droughts shape ecosystems.
  • The role of fire ecology in addressing wildfire threats.
  • The impact of coral bleaching on biodiversity.
  • Ways to minimize the environmental impact of clean energies.
  • The effects of climate change on ocean currents and migration patterns of marine species.

Environmental Justice and Public Policy

  • Opportunities to equalize the benefits of greenspaces for impoverished and marginalized communities.
  • The impact of natural disasters on human migration patterns.
  • The role of national parks and nature reserves in human health.
  • How to address inequalities in the impact of air pollution.
  • How to prevent and address the looming climate refugee crisis.
  • Environmentally and economically sustainable alternatives to deforestation in less developed countries.
  • Effects of environmental policies and regulations on impoverished communities.
  • The role of pollutants in endocrine disruption.
  • The effects of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases.

AP Environmental Science Research Topics (Continued)

Soil science.

  • Effects of climate change on soil erosion.
  • The role of land management in maintaining soil health.
  • Agricultural effects of salinization in coastal areas.
  • The effects of climate change on agriculture.

Urban Ecology

  • How road construction impacts biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • The effects of urbanization and city planning on water cycles.
  • Impacts of noise pollution on human health.
  • The role of city planning in reducing light pollution.

Pollution and Bioremediation

  • The role of bioremediation in removing “forever” chemicals from the environment.
  • Impacts of air pollution on maternal health.
  • How to improve plastic recycling processes.
  • Individual measures to reduce consumption and creation of microplastics.
  • Environmental impacts of and alternatives to fracking.

Environmental Law and Ethics

  • Ethical implications of human intervention in the preservation of endangered species.
  • The efficacy and impact of single-use plastic laws.
  • Effects of religious and cultural values in environmental beliefs.
  • The ethics of climate change policy for future generations.
  • Ethical implications of international environmental regulations for less developed countries.
  • The impact and efficacy of corporate carbon taxes.
  • Ethical and environmental implications of fast fashion.
  • The ethics and efficacy of green consumerism.
  • Impacts of the hospitality and travel industries on pollution and emissions.
  • The ethical implications of greenwashing in marketing.
  • Effects of “Right to Repair” laws on pollution.

Final Thoughts: Environmental Science Research Topics

Environmental science is a diverse and very important area of study that impacts all aspects of life on Earth. If you’ve found a topic you’d like to pursue, it’s time to hit the books (or online databases)! Begin reading broadly on your chosen topic so you can define a specific research question. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact a research librarian who can connect you with pertinent resources. As you familiarize yourself with the discourse surrounding your topic, consider what questions spring to mind. Those questions may represent gaps around which you can craft a research question.

Interested in conducting academic research? Check out the following resources for information on research opportunities and programs:

  • Research Opportunities for High School Students
  • Colleges with the Best Undergraduate Research Programs
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Emily Smith

Emily earned a BA in English and Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill and an MA in English from Wake Forest University. While at UNC and Wake Forest, she served as a tutor and graduate assistant in each school’s writing center, where she worked with undergraduate and graduate students from all academic backgrounds. She also worked as an editorial intern for the Wake Forest University Press as well as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English at WFU, and currently works as a writing center director in western North Carolina.

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environmental topics for thesis

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266 Popular Environmental Science Topics For Successful Thesis

environmental science topics

As an environmental science student, you may need to tackle various issues across environmental health and economics. You will need environmental topics to address various issues about your environment.

There is a body of research topics on environmental issues which could make your research paper exceptional when you write on any environmental topics of your choice.

If you’d like to wow your professor and you need topics you can tailor to a form of originality, you should consider the following research topics in environmental science.

Environmental Economics Dissertation Topics

Environmental economics could be scary to you because of its vastness but all you need is a collection of topics about environment to choose from. You can consider these environment research topics for your upcoming dissertation:

  • A critical review of man-made environmental disasters in the previous decade
  • A critical study of the US environmental policy
  • An overview of the economic review on waste disposal programs embarked upon by a country in Latin America
  • Analysis of water conservation innovation and its feasibility in the US
  • A study of previous ecology economics and its practice in a western European country
  • A study of the economic justification on the resources facilitating urban development in the UK
  • Discuss the concept of water management and policy in the UK
  • Examine the impact of climate change on public resources and institutions
  • Examine the policies regarding climate change and how it affects the economy of the US
  • How does globalization worsen environmental abuse in post-COVID-19 Europe?
  • Consider the economic terms and conditions behind biodiversity
  • Evaluate the cost on two independent organizations in promoting environmental literacy through social programs
  • How the UK determine the economic policy on environmental issues for Europe
  • The role of natural resources and emerging economies in stabilizing environmental issues
  • The consequences of illegal mining on the economy and the environmental crisis that follows
  • The challenges of the social-economic system of Canadians since newer policies on environmental issues were implemented
  • The intervention of the government and its role in forest management
  • How the policies against illegal poaching can be more effective in Africa?
  • A forensic analysis of the frankness of the environmental ministry in achieving healthier and safer environments
  • The role of economy and finances in improving environmental conditions
  • A study on what it takes to finance and monitor the trends of climate changes
  • The study of the growth of emissions and how it affects individual or corporate productivity
  • How clean and conventional energy sources could impede traditional means of wealth creation
  • Environmental sustainability: how it compliments economic growth
  • Examine the context of risk management and natural disasters with regard to an event in America
  • Evaluate the possibility of adopting EU’s Renewable Energy Guidelines in the US
  • What is the role of adaptation, geoengineering, and economics in a world plagued by climate change?
  • Is the UN sustainable growth feasible in (a country in Africa)
  • An examination of the processes involved in regulating energy
  • An evaluation of the resources in the process of waste management

Environmental Law Research Topics

You may also need environment research topics in relation to law for your dissertation. As you already know, environmental law research topics will relate to the regulatory bodies of natural resources in the international and national sphere. You can consider environment project topics for your dissertation:

  • The limitations of governmental bodies in policing illegal poaching in Africa
  • Examine the significance of public complaints in issues of environmental concerns
  • Evaluate an environmental law paper and its role in advocating environmental change in China
  • Examine the role of different legal frameworks to tackle environmental pollution in the UK
  • An examination of sustainable policy in Harvard University and the reaction of students to it
  • A study of energy economics and dynamics and how it relates to legal institutions
  • With reference to a UN statement, examine the efficacy of law in Sudanese environmental policies
  • Examine the possible disaster the absence of a legal institution could cause a state of environmental decay
  • How the value of renewable energy and gas emissions in selected companies has mitigated against lawsuits about the violation of environmental health policies
  • A study of the means environmental law can help with sustainable living
  • What are environmental laws existent in the UK and how do other countries adopt these laws?
  • How to reduce carbon emission and how the UK did it with its laws?
  • A study into the awareness systems regarding climate change orientation in legal institutions
  • Examine the British policies on bush burning
  • Assess how environmental laws can be an impediment to economic growth
  • Explain the environmental laws in the UK post BREXIT
  • An assessment on the result of waste management policies in the US
  • Compare and compare the situations existent in the UK and the US regarding the environmental crisis
  • A study of the effect of politics in limiting the efforts of environmental laws
  • How two countries (of your choice) have set about protecting their wildlife
  • Evaluate how environmental laws in the UK have helped kept the people safe as well as the wildlife animals
  • Criticize the international environmental laws
  • Attempt an analysis of the inevitable content of environmental law in the US
  • Write an overview of the provisions for natural forestation and wildlife and the way they contribute to the preservation of the environment
  • Constructively criticize any environmental law from any nation of your choice
  • The role of investigation in the creation of environmental laws
  • Evaluate the events of Environmental crimes in recent years and how it is seen to underestimate the efforts directed at environmental protection
  • Examine the issues of greenhouse and global warming and why it is an international threat
  • Consider the policy of carbon reduction for companies in the US and how feasible the plans are
  • Examine how Environmental laws interweave with energy laws

Environmental Research Paper Topics

You may attempt to write one of the research topics on environment issues for your research paper. With different issues to discuss, the diversity of the planet has offered many ways to study it. Thus, you can consider the following Environment research topics for your research paper:

  • Examine the growing threat of climate change and how the world can respond better to it
  • Evaluate what is meant by urban ecology
  • Attempt an analysis of the concept of renewable energy and how it solves the problem of Sustainable energy
  • Examine the context of the conservation of the Antarctic and why it is significant
  • Critical diagnose of why there are different kinds of clouds and how they form
  • Examine the consequences of climate change on humans
  • Interrogate what is meant by acid rains and how it is connected to Industries
  • Analyze if one of the causes of JoAnn diseases is the proximity of Industrial plants to water resources
  • Fossil field to hydrogen: how the world can Sustainably cater for itself
  • Soil contamination: the role of waste and pesticides
  • Analyze the role of humans in the rise and threat of global warming
  • The inevitability of water sources to the environment: a critical analysis of the importance of the Nile
  • Examine the connection between acid rains and industrialization
  • Examine the role of deforestation in global warming
  • What are the possibilities of controlling and containing global warming for the human race?
  • What the future of the ecosystem looks like: how environmental laws can help save natural habitats
  • Critically review what is meant by green energy
  • Is global warming and natural event or a manmade catastrophe?
  • Examine how tectonic movements play a significant role in the ecosystem
  • Are oceans safe to take deep-sea mining?
  • With the eyes of environmentalists, who are the endangered species?
  • Examine the importance of National parks
  • Evaluate the organization of Greenpeace and its position on preserving global ecology
  • Evaluate the different responses to global warming in European countries
  • Evaluate the different reactions to global warming in Asia
  • Examine the different reactions of governments to global warming in Africa
  • Identify the input of China in the ecosystem
  • Examine the possibility of reducing the spread of desserts
  • Evaluate the chances of sustainable consumption
  • Consider the subject of water management and how there is enough water for everyone
  • There is politics in international Environmental laws: discuss
  • Consider the trends of the ecosystem in the past 20 years
  • Choose a forest fire outbreak event and analyze its causes
  • Who is to blame when animals are endangered?
  • The role of independent organizations in the balance of the ecosystem
  • What are the conditions considered inevitable for the promotion of sustainable environments
  • Attempt to review five literature on the complications regarding environmental preservation
  • Examine how natural habitats survive extreme conditions
  • Everything struggles to survive: comment
  • Forest fires: offer a critical review of how the ecosystem adapts and copes with series of natural disasters
  • Offer possible discoveries on how to manage the greenhouse effect
  • Smart Homes: the limitations of the invention that offers energy sustainability
  • A review of the past and how it contributes to the present ecological situations
  • Assess the context of risk management and his it relates to environmental health
  • Assess the significance of lakes and ponds in the discussion of water bodies
  • Offer an analysis on how to cope with the trends in ecosystems
  • The role of the First World Countries in maintaining environmental laws
  • The role of the Third World Countries in engaging in practical solutions to global warming
  • Explain how humans can harness the greenhouse effect for their good
  • Consider the effect of climate change on the national productivity

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

You may choose to explore research topics in environmental science as a college student in any institution. Here are some easy and straightforward questions for you to improve your insight into the discussion of your choice:

  • Examine how acid rain forms and the reasons why them
  • What do you think about composting?
  • Bacteria: how it finds itself in human food
  • An overview of genetic disease and how it has an influence on humans
  • Compare and contrast the photosynthesis of three sample plants
  • How do sewages work for a quality living?
  • Examine the process of the spread of viruses
  • Evaluate how climate change worsen the environmental crisis
  • Explain the extinction of honey bees and what it will mean for the world
  • Examine weed diversity in a community of your choice
  • Discuss how agricultural production and affected by climate change
  • Reviewing of literature on fishing water and its toxic levels
  • Discuss the increase in thermal ecology, sea creatures, and what it means for the environment
  • Examine the consequences of careless waste disposal on the Environment
  • Child mortality: the role of air pollution
  • Prevention of environmental pollution and the role of college students
  • How to develop Sustainable water supply channels
  • Nuclear power: benefits and uses
  • The fostering of Sustainable communities: examine its possibilities
  • How does environmental management function in the hospitality industry
  • How science is explored in addressing climate change
  • Examine the revival of oceans and what it means to the people
  • What are the benefits of nuclear power to the immediate environment?
  • Are nuclear powers a constant threat to international peace and security?
  • What role can greenhouses play in achieving environmental sustainability?
  • Water scarcity: the implications of science
  • Environmental health and the adverse challenge of economic development
  • Examine the Importance of Environmental sustainability in the world
  • Human health and climate change: how will human health improve after curbing the effect of climate change?
  • Tips to reduce the exposure of pesticides to the soil
  • What is the connection between pesticides and the loss of the sense of smell?
  • The health risk of tobacco exposure for humans
  • Air pollution and the role of road traffic
  • What is the connection of air pollution to cancer?
  • What is the connection of water pollution to Environmental risks?
  • What are the examples of Environmental pollution and how can we Improve living circumstances
  • How climate change has mitigated against growth
  • The role of wildfire on human health
  • Evaluate the threat of climate change
  • Do you think industries should pay tax for their output of carbon emissions?
  • Genetically modified organisms: should they be banned by the government?
  • Discuss the concept of organic farming
  • Examine the exports of animals and their moral incorrectness
  • Elucidate the negative impacts of zoos
  • Elucidate the means to fridge carbon footprint of everyone
  • Sustainable energy: is nuclear energy better than fossil fuels?
  • How to better the chances of survival during climate changes
  • Consider the benefits of tourism to the environment
  • Examine the concepts of conventional farming and organic farming
  • Examine the power of the individual in achieving sustainable environmental policies and practices

Environmental Policy Research Topics

You may love to consider Environment project topics that deal with policymaking. As an aspect that touches policies and laws that regard water and air quality, even the plans for endangered species, you can consider the following topics for your research:

  • What is the perfect blueprint for Sustainable Environmental Policies
  • Argue the need for different policies for various countries
  • Argue the need for singular policies for all countries of the world for Sustainable living
  • Examines the models that secure Environmental preservation of its endangered species
  • The role of institutions in supporting climate change and advocacy did it
  • An assessment of public response to climate change and how it has Enhanced strategies of development
  • What the public understands by climate change: a case study of a European and African country
  • A study of how government make policies regarding climate change and environmental crisis
  • Examine what biodiversity means
  • Elucidate the indicators of social and economic development and how they relate to environmental sustainability
  • Offer a critic of how two Asian Countries have reacted to climate issues
  • Express regard for multidisciplinary approaches to environmental policies and what they could be
  • How can individuals motivate environmental policy changes for the government?
  • Examine the role of public institutions in advocating environmental health
  • Interrogate the difference between the policies regarding air pollution and water pollution
  • Explore the circumstances that could achieve sustainable structures to the environmental crisis in India

Environmental Engineering Topics for Research

Research topics on Environmental issues are limitless, and you may want to explore a topic relating to environmental engineering. Rather than comb through the internet for a topic, you can choose any of the following and rephrase them to your purpose:

  • Evaluate the trajectory of the carbon index in an energy-consuming company
  • Design an outer-face for an energy-consuming company and what its energy use would look like
  • A study of the carbon footprint in a sugar Production company
  • Identify the process of waste removal in European automotive Industries
  • Car mobility: discuss the advantages and challenges
  • Bioenergy: examine the concept and what it means for an environmentalist
  • Choose a sewage plantation in Europe and study the elements of construction
  • Comment on the Nord Dam construction of Germany as an Environment engineer
  • Offer a comparative analysis on the recycling of plants and eco-friendly wastewater systems
  • Evaluate the processes of determining the quality of water
  • Review the use of energy in a machine factory of your choice in the US
  • Quantity plastic waste and the abounding issues in Europe
  • Discuss the processes involved in the recycling of water
  • The cement Industry and its hazard to the environment
  • Attempt a physicochemical study of the features of water in waste management
  • Analyze your approach to a greenbelt design
  • Examine the reuse of building waste and its environmental benefits
  • Marine environment: attempt a criticism of oil spill and its effects
  • Justify the creation of green buildings
  • Smart Homes: the next big thing or another threat to Environmental technologies
  • Evaluate how to treat waste in the public
  • Offer an analysis on how to reduce costs on offshore drilling
  • Attempt an overview of e-construction and what it means for the world
  • Assess the environmental sustainability in a country of your choice in Europe
  • Assess the environmental sustainability in a country of your choice in Asia
  • Review the Environmental sustainability level of the USA
  • Study the sustainability level of a country in Africa
  • Examine the distinctive physical properties in soil under different environments
  • Offer an overview of air pollution in Mysore City
  • Study the environmental challenge posed by automobile industries
  • Design a system that vehicle with a limited carbon footprint
  • Design an industrial machine with a limited carbon footprint
  • Rationalize the possibility of zero carbon footprint in the world
  • Rationalize the chances of actual sustainable energies
  • Explore the differences in the role of environmental engineers and environmentalists
  • Study the Sustainable development changes of Bidar District
  • Examine how Nigeria reacts to climate changes and the systems in place
  • Evaluate the physics of acid rain measurement
  • Waste and water recycling: what is the place of risk management?
  • Evaluate the provision of tools in achieving sustainable environmental practices

Environmental Hot Topics

There are esteemed educational topics that require the bird’s eye insight into Environmental Sciences. These topics are connected to individuals and the survival of the planet which is how the wood is shaped. Some of these topics are:

  • Biodiversity
  • Water pollution and contaminants
  • Foodborne disease and consequences
  • Air pollution in urban and rural areas
  • Tropical rainforests and their recent losses to fires
  • Deforestation due to climate changes
  • The role of biological pollutants in environmental crisis
  • The methods of carbon footprint reductions
  • The dangers of overconsumption on the planet
  • The significance of dams
  • Human and governmental responses on ecosystem destruction
  • The concept of renewable energy and efficiency
  • Marine ecosystem
  • Food safety and dangers
  • Genetic Engineering and its dangers to food safety and nutrition
  • The advocacy of intensive farming
  • The advocacy of organic farming
  • The benefits and consequences of the adoption of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in farming
  • The concept of land degradation
  • The Examination of deforestation
  • The natural vegetation and the understanding of land usage
  • The impact of mining on wildlife and natural forests
  • The evolution of nanotechnology
  • An overview of natural disasters and what consistent disasters mean for the world
  • The religious context of natural disasters and the panic
  • International issue around nuclear weapons and ownership
  • The risks of nuclear energy
  • The challenges of radioactive waves
  • The challenge of overpopulation and limited resources
  • The attitude of resource depletion
  • The study of soil erosion
  • A critical review of soil contamination through waste, pesticide, organic pollutants, and heavy metals
  • An Overview of soil contamination processes
  • The conversation around native wildlife
  • The process of embracing green practices
  • The possibility of a stable economy in an environmentally conscious world
  • The prospect of biodiversity and resource control
  • The study of toxins in waste
  • The Assessment of disruptors in the food chain
  • Waste management and the policies concerning sustainability
  • Challenges of credits
  • Water recycling
  • Minimization of waste
  • The deduction of energy from waste
  • Trends of the ecosystem
  • The theory of the endangered species
  • The risks in environmental sustainability
  • The growth of the ecological economy
  • The need for ecological Sustainable practices
  • Development of feasible environmental policies

Is Writing About Environmental Science Taking Too Much Time?

As earlier stated, while it may be a lot of bother to rack your head about environmental science dissertation topics, you can choose either of these for your use.

You already have environmental law research topics, environmental economics dissertation topics, environmental policy research topics, and environmental engineering topics for research.

If you feel you need a research paper help, there are good and professional writers with experience in academic writing online. You can contact them for your top and scholarly university dissertation or research study at a cheap prize. If you also need ideas on how to write your project, you can find expert writers and guides from online educational outlets.

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  • 140 Environmental Essay Topics

In any academic discipline, writing an essay on the environment can be a daunting task, no matter what the subject matter. Not only should students understand the complexities of the natural world, but they should also be able to communicate their ideas clearly in writing.

To combat the many challenges students can face when crafting an environmental essay, we’ve created this handy guide detailing how to write an environmental essay and even included 140 environmental essay topics to help get you started.

What Is an Environmental Essay?

An environmental essay is a type of paper where a student must choose a topic related to the environment and present an argument, opinion, or point of view about it. The primary purpose of this type of essay is to educate readers on a given issue and raise awareness about potential solutions.

How to Write an Environmental Essay: A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: choose an essay topic.

Before you can start writing your environmental essay, you need to choose a topic. Writing this type of paper may appear simple, but finding the right topic can be the most difficult part of the process. You’ll want to choose a topic that matches the essay format to ensure that the writing process is as smooth as possible.

For example, if you are tasked with writing an argumentative essay on a particular environmental issue, make sure that your topic can be argued. Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad or too specific, as this can make it challenging to develop a clear thesis statement and support your argument.

If your environmental essay is a compare and contrast essay, you’ll want to choose two topics that can be effectively compared and contrasted. And if your essay is a cause and effect essay, make sure that your topic focuses on causes or effects (or both) related to an environmental issue.

Step 2: Develop a Thesis Statement

Once you’ve chosen your essay topic, it’s time to develop a thesis statement. This is a sentence (or two) that summarizes your paper’s central argument. Specificity and focus are the hallmarks of a well-crafted thesis statement. In other words, it should be open to discussion and disagreement.

For example, a weak thesis statement might be something like:

“The environment is important.”

While this statement is true, it’s too general to be the focus of an entire essay. A stronger thesis statement might be:

“It’s time to stop polluting and other activities that harm the environment.”

This is a well-reasoned statement that expresses a firm opinion on the subject. It’s a good topic for an argumentative essay because it’s open to debate.

Step 3: Do Your Research

Now that you have a thesis statement, it’s time to do your research. This will involve finding sources (such as books, articles, and websites) that support your argument. When taking notes from your sources, be sure to write down the author, title, and publication date for each one. This will make it easier to create your Works Cited page later on.

As you’re doing your research, keep your essay format in mind. For example, if you are writing a five-paragraph essay, make sure that you have enough evidence to support your thesis statement and fill out each of the three body paragraphs.

Step 4: Write a Draft

Now it’s time to start writing your first draft. Begin by creating an outline that will help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Then, as you flesh out paragraphs from your outline, keep your audience in mind and make sure that your argument is clear and easy to follow.

Your draft should include an introduction, ideas for each body paragraph, and a conclusion. It is important to include your thesis statement in your introduction and to restate it in your conclusion.

Keep in mind that each body paragraph will always need a clear and interesting topic sentence, as well as a transition sentence that sums up the section. The following are some good examples of sentences that begin or transition:

“Even though many people do not consider the environment to be important, it is vital to our continued existence. It is impossible to survive without a healthy environment.

In order to see this, you can look at the…”

“Humans are clearly causing harm to the environment, but what are the root causes of this? I believe that the most important issue is….”

“We can all see the effects of environmental degradation, but persuading people to alter their behavior is a difficult task. While the…”

Each of these sentences offers a clear and concise argument that can be explored in more depth in the body paragraphs.

Step 5: Edit and Proofread

After writing your essay, it’s time to edit and proofread it. This is the process of making sure that there are no errors in your grammar or spelling. It’s also a good idea to read your essay aloud to make sure that it flows smoothly.

With the helpful guide above detailing the process of creating an environmental essay, you should now have no trouble writing on your topic of choice. However, if you’re still struggling to find the perfect topic, consider one of the following 140 environmental essay topics.

Environmental Essay Topics About Pollution

  • The dangers of plastic pollution
  • How climate change is affecting our environment
  • The causes and effects of water pollution
  • Air pollution in cities: a problem that needs to be addressed
  • The issue of noise pollution and its effects on our health
  • The dangers of pesticides and herbicides
  • How deforestation is affecting our environment
  • The problem of light pollution
  • The dangers of nuclear waste
  • How climate change is affecting our weather

Environmental Essay Topics About Conservation

  • Why it’s important to conserve water
  • How to reduce your carbon footprint
  • Why recycling is important for the environment
  • The importance of composting
  • How to reduce your energy consumption
  • Why it’s essential to protect endangered species
  • How you can help the environment in your everyday life
  • The benefits of organic farming
  • Why it’s important to reduce, reuse, and recycle
  • The dangers of mountaintop removal mining

Environmental Essay Topics About Animals

  • How climate change is affecting animals in the wild
  • The declining populations of bees and other pollinators
  • How deforestation is affecting wildlife habitats
  • The problem of invasive species
  • The plight of endangered animals
  • How zoos and aquariums are helping to conserve animals
  • How to make your home more wildlife-friendly
  • The importance of responsible pet ownership
  • How to help local wildlife in your area
  • Why it’s important to spay and neuter your pets

Environmental Essay Topics About Plants

  • The importance of trees for the environment
  • Newly discovered flora species with exciting medicinal benefits
  • The benefits of permaculture
  • How to make your garden more wildlife-friendly
  • Why it’s important to plant native species
  • How to help local flora in your area
  • The specific compounds in herbicides that affect particular plant species
  • The benefits of home gardening

Environmental Essay Topics About Sustainability

  • What is sustainability?
  • The importance of sustainable living
  • How to live a more sustainable lifestyle
  • The benefits of renewable energy sources
  • The problems with nuclear energy
  • Public transport v. carpooling: A comparative analysis
  • How to make your home more energy-efficient
  • The dangers of recycling the wrong items
  • Socio-economic factors that make organic farming difficult for the masses
  • How to shop sustainably

Environmental Essay Topics About Climate Change

  • The causes of climate change
  • The effects of climate change on the world’s economy
  • The potential impact of climate change on our health
  • The effect of climate change on plant and animal species
  • Compare and contrast two factors driving climate change
  • Analyze arguments for and against climate change
  • The possible solutions to climate change
  • The role of the individual in combating climate change

Environmental Essay Topics About Environmentalism

  • What is environmentalism?
  • The history of environmentalism
  • The goals of environmentalism
  • The different branches of environmentalism
  • How you can get involved in environmentalism
  • The benefits of environmentalism
  • The challenges of environmentalism
  • Environmentalism v. consumerism: A comparative analysis
  • How environmentalism is affecting our economy
  • The future of environmentalism

Environmental Essay Topics About History

  • How the Industrial Revolution changed the environment
  • The environmental impact of World War I
  • The environmental impact of World War II
  • How colonialism has impacted the environment
  • The environmental effect of the American Civil War
  • Reconstruction and its effect on the environment
  • The Dust Bowl and its environmental effects
  • The environmental impact of the Great Depression
  • The environmental consequences of the Cold War
  • How 9/11 has impacted the environment

Environmental Essay Topics About Natural Disasters

  • The effects of floods on the environment
  • The effect of droughts on the environment
  • Wildfires: Causes and solutions
  • Causes for the growing intensity of environmental storms
  • How can we prepare for natural disasters?
  • The role of the media in natural disaster relief
  • The impact of natural disasters on our economy
  • The importance of environmental protection during times of emergency
  • Psychological effects of natural disasters
  • Natural disasters and their effect on our infrastructure

Environmental Essay Topics About Alternative Resources

  • Understanding the benefits of hemp production for paper
  • The use of biogas as an environmentally friendly resource
  • The pros and cons of nuclear power
  • Why solar energy is the way of the future
  • How wind turbines are changing the energy game
  • The potential of geothermal energy
  • The benefits and drawbacks of using tidal power
  • The use of rainwater harvesting as an alternative water source
  • How to make recycling more effective
  • Why we should be using more recycled materials in the construction industry
  • The benefits of using recycled materials in the automotive industry
  • Why we should be using more alternative energy sources

Environmental Essay Topics About Education

  • The role of education in environmental protection
  • The importance of environmental education
  • Environmental education programs that work
  • The challenges of environmental education
  • How to make environmental education more effective
  • The future of environmental education

Environmental Essay Topics About Water

  • Analyze the current state of the world’s water supply
  • The importance of freshwater
  • The global water crisis
  • Solutions to the global water crisis
  • How climate change is affecting our water supply
  • How to conserve water
  • The benefits of recycling wastewater
  • The dangers of contaminated water
  • The effect of oil spills on the environment
  • The role of the individual in protecting water resources
  • What we can do to stop water pollution
  • How to make our sewage system more efficient

Environmental Essay Topics About Air Pollution

  • The effects of air pollution on human health
  • The causes of air pollution
  • Solutions to air pollution
  • How to reduce air pollution
  • The impact of air pollution on the environment
  • The effect of smog on the environment
  • The benefits of reducing emissions
  • How to make our cities more livable
  • Reducing noise pollution
  • Why we should be planting more trees

Environmental Essay Topics About Capitalism

  • Compare the environmental effects of capitalism v. socialism
  • The role of the government in environmental protection
  • The impact of capitalism on the environment
  • Is capitalism pushing us into environmental catastrophe?
  • How does capitalism contribute to climate change?
  • The pros and cons of green capitalism

Environmental Essay Topics About Technology

  • The impact of technology on the environment
  • The effect of social media on the environment
  • The role of technology in environmental protection
  • The environmental impact of Bitcoin

These 140 environmental essay topics will give students plenty of material to work with and should make writing the essay relatively easy.

Remember that these topics are just examples and can be altered or combined to better suit your needs. Once you have a topic in mind, follow the writing guide above to ensure you hand in a high-quality environmental essay that will earn you a good grade.

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500+ Environmental Research Topics

Environmental Research Topics

Environmental research is a crucial area of study in today’s world, as we face an increasing number of complex and pressing environmental challenges. From climate change to pollution, biodiversity loss to natural resource depletion, there is an urgent need for scientific inquiry and investigation to inform policy, decision-making, and action. Environmental research encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including ecology, biology , geology, chemistry , and physics , among others, and explores a diverse array of topics , from ocean acidification to sustainable agriculture. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and a commitment to generating evidence-based solutions, environmental research plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. In this article, we will cover some trending Environmental Research Topics.

Environmental Research Topics

Environmental Research Topics are as follows:

  • Climate change and its impacts on ecosystems and society
  • The effectiveness of carbon capture and storage technology
  • The role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems
  • The impact of human activity on soil quality
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine life
  • The effectiveness of renewable energy sources
  • The impact of deforestation on local communities and wildlife
  • The relationship between air pollution and human health
  • The impact of agricultural practices on soil erosion
  • The effectiveness of conservation measures for endangered species
  • The impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems
  • The role of wetlands in mitigating climate change
  • The impact of oil spills on marine ecosystems
  • The impact of urbanization on local ecosystems
  • The impact of climate change on global food security
  • The effectiveness of water conservation measures
  • The impact of pesticide use on pollinators
  • The impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems
  • The impact of sea level rise on coastal communities
  • The effectiveness of carbon taxes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of habitat destruction on migratory species
  • The impact of invasive species on native ecosystems
  • The role of national parks in biodiversity conservation
  • The impact of climate change on coral reefs
  • The effectiveness of green roofs in reducing urban heat island effect
  • The impact of noise pollution on wildlife behavior
  • The impact of air pollution on crop yields
  • The effectiveness of composting in reducing organic waste
  • The impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem
  • The impact of land use change on soil carbon sequestration
  • The role of mangroves in coastal protection and carbon sequestration
  • The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems
  • The impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms
  • The effectiveness of carbon offsets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of deforestation on climate regulation
  • The impact of groundwater depletion on agriculture
  • The impact of climate change on migratory bird populations
  • The effectiveness of wind turbines in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of urbanization on bird diversity
  • The impact of climate change on ocean currents
  • The impact of drought on plant and animal populations
  • The effectiveness of agroforestry in improving soil quality
  • The impact of climate change on water availability
  • The impact of wildfires on carbon storage in forests
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green energy subsidies
  • The impact of nitrogen pollution on aquatic ecosystems
  • The impact of climate change on forest ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of community-based conservation initiatives
  • The impact of climate change on the water cycle
  • The impact of mining activities on local ecosystems
  • The impact of wind energy on bird and bat populations
  • The effectiveness of bioremediation in cleaning up contaminated soil and water
  • The impact of deforestation on local climate patterns
  • The impact of climate change on insect populations
  • The impact of agricultural runoff on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of smart irrigation systems in reducing water use
  • The impact of ocean currents on marine biodiversity
  • The impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green buildings in reducing energy use
  • The impact of climate change on glacier retreat and sea level rise
  • The impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife behavior
  • The impact of climate change on desert ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of electric vehicles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of ocean pollution on human health
  • The impact of land use change on water quality
  • The impact of urbanization on bird populations
  • The impact of oil spills on marine ecosystems and wildlife
  • The effectiveness of green energy storage technologies in promoting renewable energy use
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater availability and water management
  • The impact of industrial pollution on air quality and human health
  • The effectiveness of urban green spaces in promoting human health and well-being
  • The impact of climate change on snow cover and winter tourism
  • The impact of agricultural land use on biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • The effectiveness of green incentives in promoting sustainable consumer behavior
  • The impact of ocean acidification on shellfish and mollusk populations
  • The impact of climate change on river flow and flooding
  • The effectiveness of green supply chain management in promoting sustainable production
  • The impact of noise pollution on avian communication and behavior
  • The impact of climate change on arctic ecosystems and wildlife
  • The effectiveness of green marketing in promoting sustainable tourism
  • The impact of microplastics on marine food webs and human health
  • The impact of climate change on invasive species distributions
  • The effectiveness of green infrastructure in promoting sustainable urban development
  • The impact of plastic pollution on human health and food safety
  • The impact of climate change on soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling
  • The effectiveness of green technologies in promoting sustainable industrial production
  • The impact of climate change on permafrost thaw and methane emissions
  • The impact of deforestation on water quality and quantity
  • The effectiveness of green certification schemes in promoting sustainable production and consumption
  • The impact of noise pollution on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife
  • The impact of climate change on bird migration patterns
  • The effectiveness of green waste management in promoting sustainable resource use
  • The impact of climate change on insect populations and ecosystem services
  • The impact of plastic pollution on human society and culture
  • The effectiveness of green finance in promoting sustainable development goals
  • The impact of climate change on marine biodiversity hotspots
  • The impact of climate change on natural disasters and disaster risk reduction
  • The effectiveness of green urban planning in promoting sustainable cities and communities
  • The impact of deforestation on soil carbon storage and climate change
  • The impact of noise pollution on human communication and behavior
  • The effectiveness of green energy policy in promoting renewable energy use
  • The impact of climate change on Arctic sea ice and wildlife
  • The impact of agricultural practices on soil quality and ecosystem health
  • The effectiveness of green taxation in promoting sustainable behavior
  • The impact of plastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems and wildlife
  • The impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions and crop production
  • The effectiveness of green innovation in promoting sustainable technological advancements
  • The impact of climate change on ocean currents and marine heatwaves
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and cultural practices
  • The effectiveness of green governance in promoting sustainable development and environmental justice
  • The effectiveness of wetland restoration in reducing flood risk
  • The impact of climate change on the spread of vector-borne diseases
  • The effectiveness of green marketing in promoting sustainable consumption
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
  • The impact of renewable energy development on wildlife habitats
  • The effectiveness of environmental education programs in promoting pro-environmental behavior
  • The impact of deforestation on global climate change
  • The impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of eco-labeling in promoting sustainable seafood consumption
  • The impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems
  • The impact of air pollution on human health and mortality rates
  • The effectiveness of eco-tourism in promoting conservation and community development
  • The impact of climate change on agricultural production and food security
  • The impact of wind turbine noise on wildlife behavior and populations
  • The impact of light pollution on nocturnal ecosystems and species
  • The effectiveness of green energy subsidies in promoting renewable energy use
  • The impact of invasive species on native ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of climate change on ocean acidification and marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green public procurement in promoting sustainable production
  • The impact of deforestation on soil erosion and nutrient depletion
  • The impact of noise pollution on human health and well-being
  • The effectiveness of green building standards in promoting sustainable construction
  • The impact of climate change on forest fires and wildfire risk
  • The impact of e-waste on human health and environmental pollution
  • The impact of climate change on polar ice caps and sea levels
  • The impact of pharmaceutical pollution on freshwater ecosystems and wildlife
  • The effectiveness of green transportation policies in reducing carbon emissions
  • The impact of climate change on glacier retreat and water availability
  • The impact of pesticide use on pollinator populations and ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of circular economy models in reducing waste and promoting sustainability
  • The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of plastic waste on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife
  • The effectiveness of green chemistry in promoting sustainable manufacturing
  • The impact of climate change on ocean currents and weather patterns
  • The impact of agricultural runoff on freshwater ecosystems and water quality
  • The effectiveness of green bonds in financing sustainable infrastructure projects
  • The impact of climate change on soil moisture and desertification
  • The impact of noise pollution on marine ecosystems and species
  • The effectiveness of community-based conservation in promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health
  • The impact of climate change on permafrost ecosystems and carbon storage
  • The impact of urbanization on water pollution and quality
  • The effectiveness of green jobs in promoting sustainable employment
  • The impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife
  • The effectiveness of sustainable fashion in promoting sustainable consumption
  • The impact of climate change on phenology and seasonal cycles of plants and animals
  • The impact of ocean pollution on human health and seafood safety
  • The effectiveness of green procurement policies in promoting sustainable supply chains
  • The impact of climate change on marine food webs and ecosystems
  • The impact of agricultural practices on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change
  • The effectiveness of green financing in promoting sustainable investment
  • The effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems in reducing water use
  • The impact of climate change on permafrost ecosystems
  • The impact of coastal erosion on shoreline ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing urban heat island effect
  • The impact of microorganisms on soil fertility and carbon sequestration
  • The impact of climate change on snowpack and water availability
  • The impact of oil and gas drilling on local ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of carbon labeling in promoting sustainable consumer choices
  • The impact of marine noise pollution on marine mammals
  • The impact of climate change on alpine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green supply chain management in reducing environmental impact
  • The impact of climate change on river ecosystems
  • The impact of urban sprawl on wildlife habitat fragmentation
  • The effectiveness of carbon trading in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of ocean warming on marine ecosystems
  • The impact of agricultural practices on water quality and quantity
  • The effectiveness of green roofs in improving urban air quality
  • The impact of climate change on tropical rainforests
  • The impact of water pollution on human health and livelihoods
  • The effectiveness of green bonds in financing sustainable projects
  • The impact of climate change on polar bear populations
  • The impact of human activity on soil biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of waste-to-energy systems in reducing waste and emissions
  • The impact of climate change on Arctic sea ice and marine ecosystems
  • The impact of sea level rise on low-lying coastal cities and communities
  • The effectiveness of sustainable tourism in promoting conservation and community development
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous peoples and their livelihoods
  • The impact of climate change on sea turtle populations
  • The effectiveness of carbon-neutral and carbon-negative technologies
  • The impact of urbanization on water resources and quality
  • The impact of climate change on cold-water fish populations
  • The effectiveness of green entrepreneurship in promoting sustainable innovation
  • The impact of wildfires on air quality and public health
  • The impact of climate change on human migration patterns and social systems
  • The impact of noise pollution on bird communication and behavior in urban environments
  • The impact of climate change on estuarine ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of deforestation on water availability and river basin management
  • The impact of climate change on plant phenology and distribution
  • The effectiveness of green marketing in promoting sustainable consumer behavior
  • The impact of plastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of climate change on marine plastic debris accumulation and distribution
  • The effectiveness of green innovation in promoting sustainable technology development
  • The impact of climate change on crop yields and food security
  • The impact of noise pollution on human health and well-being in urban environments
  • The impact of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of green transportation infrastructure in promoting sustainable mobility
  • The impact of deforestation on non-timber forest products and forest-dependent livelihoods
  • The impact of climate change on wetland carbon sequestration and storage
  • The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtle populations and nesting behavior
  • The impact of climate change on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the Southern Ocean
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable agriculture
  • The impact of climate change on oceanographic processes and upwelling systems
  • The impact of noise pollution on terrestrial wildlife communication and behavior
  • The impact of climate change on coastal erosion and shoreline management
  • The effectiveness of green finance in promoting sustainable investment
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities and traditional knowledge systems
  • The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones and extreme weather events
  • The effectiveness of green buildings in promoting energy efficiency and carbon reduction
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine food webs and trophic interactions
  • The impact of climate change on algal blooms and harmful algal blooms in marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green business partnerships in promoting sustainable development goals
  • The impact of climate change on ocean deoxygenation and its effects on marine life
  • The impact of noise pollution on human sleep and rest patterns in urban environments
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater availability and management
  • The effectiveness of green entrepreneurship in promoting social and environmental justice
  • The impact of deforestation on wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation
  • The impact of climate change on the migration patterns and behaviors of birds and mammals
  • The effectiveness of green urban planning in promoting sustainable and livable cities
  • The impact of plastic pollution on microplastics and nanoplastics in marine ecosystems
  • The impact of climate change on marine ecosystem services and their value to society
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable forestry
  • The impact of climate change on ocean currents and their effects on marine biodiversity
  • The impact of noise pollution on urban ecosystems and their ecological functions
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
  • The effectiveness of green policy implementation in promoting sustainable development
  • The impact of deforestation on soil carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions
  • The impact of climate change on marine mammals and their ecosystem roles
  • The effectiveness of green product labeling in promoting sustainable consumer behavior
  • The impact of plastic pollution on coral reefs and their resilience to climate change
  • The impact of climate change on waterborne diseases and public health
  • The effectiveness of green energy policies in promoting renewable energy adoption
  • The impact of deforestation on carbon storage and sequestration in peatlands
  • The impact of climate change on ocean acidification and its effects on marine life
  • The effectiveness of green supply chain management in promoting circular economy principles
  • The impact of noise pollution on urban birds and their vocal communication
  • The impact of climate change on ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests
  • The effectiveness of green marketing in promoting sustainable fashion and textiles
  • The impact of plastic pollution on deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity
  • The impact of climate change on marine biodiversity hotspots and conservation priorities
  • The effectiveness of green investment in promoting sustainable infrastructure development
  • The impact of deforestation on ecosystem services provided by agroforestry systems
  • The impact of climate change on snow and ice cover and their effects on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green tourism in promoting sustainable tourism practices
  • The impact of noise pollution on human cognitive performance and productivity
  • The impact of climate change on forest fires and their effects on ecosystem services
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable seafood consumption
  • The impact of climate change on insect populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The impact of plastic pollution on seabird populations and their reproductive success
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable public sector spending
  • The impact of deforestation on soil erosion and land degradation
  • The impact of climate change on riverine ecosystems and their ecosystem services
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable fisheries
  • The impact of noise pollution on marine mammals and their acoustic communication
  • The impact of climate change on terrestrial carbon sinks and sources
  • The effectiveness of green technology transfer in promoting sustainable development
  • The impact of deforestation on non-timber forest products and their sustainable use
  • The impact of climate change on marine invasive species and their ecological impacts
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable private sector spending
  • The impact of plastic pollution on zooplankton populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems and their services
  • The effectiveness of green education in promoting sustainable behavior change
  • The impact of deforestation on watershed management and water quality
  • The impact of climate change on soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning
  • The effectiveness of green technology innovation in promoting sustainable development
  • The impact of noise pollution on human health in outdoor recreational settings
  • The impact of climate change on oceanic nutrient cycling and primary productivity
  • The effectiveness of green urban design in promoting sustainable and resilient cities
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine microbial communities and their functions
  • The impact of climate change on coral reef bleaching and recovery
  • The impact of deforestation on ecosystem services provided by community-managed forests
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater fish populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable tourism
  • The impact of noise pollution on human stress and cardiovascular health
  • The impact of climate change on glacier retreat and their effects on freshwater ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green technology diffusion in promoting sustainable development
  • The impact of plastic pollution on sea grass beds and their ecosystem services
  • The impact of climate change on forest phenology and productivity.
  • The effectiveness of green transportation policies in promoting sustainable mobility
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous peoples’ livelihoods and traditional knowledge
  • The impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and their biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of green building standards in promoting sustainable architecture
  • The impact of noise pollution on nocturnal animals and their behavior
  • The impact of climate change on migratory bird populations and their breeding success
  • The effectiveness of green taxation in promoting sustainable consumption and production
  • The impact of deforestation on wildlife corridors and ecosystem connectivity
  • The impact of climate change on urban heat islands and their effects on public health
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable forestry practices
  • The impact of plastic pollution on sea turtle populations and their nesting success
  • The impact of climate change on invasive plant species and their ecological impacts
  • The effectiveness of green business practices in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship
  • The impact of noise pollution on urban wildlife and their acoustic communication
  • The impact of climate change on alpine ecosystems and their services
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems
  • The impact of deforestation on soil carbon stocks and their effects on climate change
  • The impact of climate change on wetland methane emissions and their contribution to greenhouse gas concentrations
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable forestry and timber production
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine mammal populations and their health
  • The impact of climate change on marine fisheries and their sustainable management
  • The effectiveness of green investment in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation
  • The impact of noise pollution on bat populations and their behavior
  • The impact of climate change on permafrost thaw and its effects on Arctic ecosystems
  • The impact of deforestation on ecosystem services provided by sacred groves
  • The impact of climate change on tropical cyclones and their impacts on coastal ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green technology transfer in promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems
  • The impact of plastic pollution on benthic macroinvertebrate populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater invertebrate populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The effectiveness of green tourism in promoting sustainable wildlife tourism practices
  • The impact of noise pollution on amphibian populations and their communication
  • The impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems and their biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems
  • The impact of deforestation on indigenous peoples’ food security and nutrition
  • The impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions and their ecosystem roles
  • The impact of plastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems and their services
  • The impact of climate change on oceanic currents and their effects on marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green investment in promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure
  • The impact of noise pollution on human sleep quality and mental health
  • The impact of climate change on marine viruses and their effects on marine life
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable packaging and waste reduction
  • The impact of deforestation on ecosystem services provided by riparian forests
  • The impact of climate change on insect-pollinated crops and their yields
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable waste management
  • The impact of plastic pollution on estuarine ecosystems and their services
  • The impact of climate change on groundwater recharge and aquifer depletion
  • The effectiveness of green education in promoting sustainable tourism practices
  • The impact of climate change on coral reefs and their biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable clothing and textile production
  • The impact of deforestation on riverine fish populations and their fishery-dependent communities
  • The impact of climate change on mountain water resources and their availability
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable tourism accommodations
  • The impact of plastic pollution on deep-sea ecosystems and their biodiversity
  • The impact of climate change on sea-level rise and its effects on coastal ecosystems and communities
  • The effectiveness of green energy policies in promoting renewable energy production
  • The impact of noise pollution on human cardiovascular health
  • The impact of climate change on biogeochemical cycles in marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable personal care and cosmetic products
  • The impact of deforestation on carbon sequestration and its effects on climate change
  • The impact of climate change on wildfire frequency and severity
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable energy-efficient technologies
  • The impact of plastic pollution on beach ecosystems and their tourism potential
  • The impact of climate change on marine mammals and their habitat range shifts
  • The effectiveness of green urban design in promoting sustainable and livable neighborhoods
  • The impact of noise pollution on urban human and wildlife communities
  • The impact of climate change on soil microorganisms and their roles in nutrient cycling
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable electronics and e-waste management
  • The impact of deforestation on watershed services and their effects on downstream ecosystems and communities
  • The impact of climate change on human migration patterns and their impacts on urbanization
  • The effectiveness of green investment in promoting sustainable water management and infrastructure
  • The impact of plastic pollution on seabird populations and their nesting success
  • The impact of climate change on ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
  • The impact of noise pollution on terrestrial carnivore populations and their communication
  • The impact of climate change on snow and ice dynamics in polar regions
  • The effectiveness of green tourism in promoting sustainable cultural heritage preservation
  • The impact of deforestation on riverine water quality and their effects on aquatic life
  • The impact of climate change on forest fires and their ecological effects
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable home appliances and energy use
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine invertebrate populations and their ecosystem roles
  • The impact of climate change on soil erosion and its effects on agricultural productivity
  • The effectiveness of green procurement in promoting sustainable construction materials and waste reduction
  • The impact of noise pollution on marine mammal populations and their behavior
  • The impact of climate change on ocean circulation and its effects on marine life
  • The effectiveness of green investment in promoting sustainable forest management
  • The impact of deforestation on medicinal plant populations and their traditional uses
  • The impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems and their carbon storage capacity
  • The effectiveness of green urban planning in promoting sustainable and resilient cities
  • The impact of plastic pollution on seabed ecosystems and their biodiversity
  • The effectiveness of green certification in promoting sustainable palm oil production
  • The impact of noise pollution on bird populations and their communication
  • The impact of climate change on freshwater quality and its effects on aquatic life
  • The effectiveness of green labeling in promoting sustainable food packaging and waste reduction
  • The impact of deforestation on streamflow and its effects on downstream

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20 Timely Thesis Topics for Environmental Science Students

The study of the environment revolves around everything that has to do with the Earth, its atmosphere, natural bodies and elements that define what we know today as our planet. Therefore, coming up with environmental thesis topics is something you can do by taking into consideration the diverse niches under the body or environmental sciences.

This article will explore the different aspects of environmental science with the aim of coming up with a list of environmental dissertation topic. So read along and do not hesitate to use any of the topic ideas discussed here as the brainchild of your thesis.

Environmental Science Thesis Topics

  • An Analysis of the Western World’s Policy towards Healthy Ocean Management and Its Results
  • Scrutinizing the Role of Technology in Environmental Engineering with the Aim of Improving the Environment
  • Evaluating Alternative Energy Systems and the Role They Play in Managing the Earth’s Ecosystem and Minimizing Pollution
  • Analyzing the Nigeria’s Niger Delta, its Environmental and Legal Issues and how Environmental Engineering Can be Used to Solve Them
  • The Ecological Importance of the Amazon Forest, its Troubles and how Policies Can be Developed to Counter Them.
  • The Importance of Creating Environmental Policies, protocols, and Laws to Preserve some of the Earth’s Symbolic Locations
  • A Research on Public Education and the Different Techniques that can be Employed to Increase Public Awareness of Environmental Issues
  • An Analysis of China’s Environmental Pollution Struggle and the Role Technology can Play in Alleviating its Problems
  • An Analysis of Public Health, Animal Rights and the Need to Create Policies to Guide both Concepts
  • A Research on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Western Nations and the Role of Human Habits in Aiding its Fluctuations
  • An Analysis of Noise and Light Pollution and Their Effects on Public Health
  • The Global Warming Phenomena, its Diversions, and the Studies Dedicated to Tracking Changes Attributed to Global Warming
  • An Analysis of Carbon dioxide Fluxes Covering the Roles Played by Plants, Animals, and Water Bodies
  • An Analysis of Water and Air Pollution and Their Impact Microorganisms
  • An Analysis of Water Pollution, the Transportation of Water Pollutants and their Effects on Ocean Life Forms
  • Analyzing Soil Contamination in Marshy Lands and the Importance of Computer Modeling for Understanding Their Impact
  • The Impact of Soil and Water Pollution on Pond-dwelling Organisms and Their Effects on Amphibians
  • Scrutinizing the National Environment Policy Act and How It Can be Implemented in the Developing World
  • Making a Case for an International Environmental Protocol to Monitoring and Managing Public Health
  • An Analysis of the Developing World and how the Interaction between these Societies and the Environment Affects Public Health

These are some of the timely environment thesis topics we promised you at the introductory section of this article. Here we have provided environmental health dissertation topics and other ideas which you are welcome to work with.

Posted by Mike Sung

  • ← 20 Topics for Dissertation in International Relations

351 Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Environmental science research topics depend on a vast range of issues pivotal to understanding and safeguarding the natural world. Some themes may dive deep into studies of climate change, assessing its impact on ecosystems and suggesting mitigation strategies. Various topics also explore biodiversity, looking at species conservation and threats to habitats globally. Pollution is another focal area, investigating the sources, effects, and solutions to air, water, and soil contamination. Moreover, sustainable practices focus on renewable energy, green urban planning, and sustainable agriculture. This interdisciplinary field even scrutinizes human behavior, illustrating the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and environmental health. Thus, environmental science research topics cover exploration, data interpretation, and creative problem-solving, all with the ultimate goal of developing ecologically responsible and sustainable methods for the proper coexistence of people and the natural world.

Hot Environmental Research Topics

  • Understanding Climate Change and Food Security Nexus
  • Unveiling Mysteries of Deep Ocean Biodiversity
  • Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Harnessing Green Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Rethinking Urban Design for Climate Resilience
  • Insights Into Ecological Consequences of Deforestation
  • Green Building Practices: A Comparative Study
  • Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts: A Comprehensive Review
  • Examining the Potential of Vertical Farming in Urban Areas
  • Strategies for Plastic Waste Management: A Global Perspective
  • Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems: An Unseen Threat
  • Decoding Links Between Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity
  • Effective Water Management Strategies in Arid Regions
  • Emerging Contaminants in Freshwater Bodies: Trends and Solutions
  • E-Waste Recycling: Technological Advancements and Challenges
  • Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems: A Multidisciplinary Approach
  • Human Behavioral Change for Environmental Sustainability
  • Analyzing the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
  • Biodiversity Hotspots and Their Conservation Significance
  • Assessing Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation

Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Easy Environmental Research Topics

  • Exploration of Solar Energy Advantages
  • Rainwater Harvesting: A Simple Guide
  • Why Recycling Matters: A Closer Look
  • Green Spaces in Urban Planning
  • Wildlife Conservation in Local Communities
  • Understanding the Threat of Endangered Species
  • Eco-Friendly Farming: The Basics
  • Pollution in Cities: An Overview
  • Renewable Energy: Current Trends
  • Conservation of Water: Simple Methods
  • Sustainable Living: Small Changes, Big Effects
  • Climate Change: Easy-to-Understand Facts
  • Rising Sea Levels: Exploring Causes
  • Greenhouse Gases: A Beginner’s Study
  • Composting at Home: An Introduction
  • Biodiversity in Backyards: A Survey
  • Plastic Waste: The Global Picture
  • Community Gardens: Environmental and Social Benefits
  • Forest Fires and Climate Change: A Link

Interesting Environmental Topics

  • Decoding Coral Reef Bleaching Phenomena
  • Intricacies of Permaculture Design Principles
  • Fascinating World of Biofuels: A Deeper Dive
  • Cryptic Life of Microorganisms in Soil Health Maintenance
  • Innovative Techniques in Water Purification and Conservation
  • Ecology of Urban Bees: A Novel Approach
  • Mysterious Decline of Honeybee Populations
  • Analysis of Climate Change Predictive Models
  • Rise of Veganism: Environmental Implications
  • Bizarre Effects of Light Pollution on Wildlife
  • Ecosystem Services Provided by Wetlands
  • Unfolding the Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion
  • Overpopulation and Strain on Environmental Resources
  • Wonders of Agroforestry: An Interdisciplinary Investigation
  • Unraveling the Puzzle of Eutrophication
  • Curious Case of Invasive Species: Winners or Losers?
  • Dissecting the Intricacies of Carbon Footprints
  • A Magnet for Pollution: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
  • Invisible Enemy: Silent Threat of Indoor Air Pollution
  • Glacial Retreat: A Story of Changing Climates

Environmental Research Topics for High School

  • Influence of Climate Change on Local Weather Patterns
  • Renewable Energy Sources: An Overview
  • Understanding the Process of Composting
  • Examining the Threat of Endangered Species Locally
  • Exploring the Concept of Carbon Footprint
  • Deforestation and Its Consequences: A Closer Look
  • Greenhouse Effect Simplified: Causes and Consequences
  • Waste Management: Importance of Recycling and Reusing
  • Biodiversity in Your Backyard: An Introduction
  • Diving Into the World of Organic Farming
  • Air Quality Index and Its Significance
  • Examining Coral Reefs: Importance and Threats
  • Water Conservation Techniques for Sustainable Use
  • Unpacking the Plastic Problem: From Production to Pollution
  • Agriculture and Its Environmental Effects: An Overview
  • Urban Heat Islands: Causes and Mitigation Strategies
  • Natural Disasters: Causes and Preparation Techniques
  • Exploring the Connection Between Diet and Environment
  • Invasive Species’ Impact on Native Ecosystems
  • Sustainability in Action: Everyday Practices for a Greener Future

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

  • Unraveling the Mystery of Coral Bleaching
  • Environmental Justice: A Multidisciplinary Approach
  • Sustainable Transport: A Comparative Study
  • Diving Into Deep Sea Mining: Pros and Cons
  • Solar Power Efficiency: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Biodegradable Plastics: A Solution or a Mirage?
  • Hydroelectric Power: Evaluating Environmental Trade-offs
  • Permaculture Principles and Its Real-World Applications
  • Ecotourism: An Assessment of Environmental and Social Effects
  • Air Pollution and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
  • Ecological Footprint: Calculation and Interpretation
  • Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture
  • Industrial Agriculture vs. Organic Farming: A Comparative Analysis
  • Urban Planning for Climate Resilience: A Detailed Review
  • Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species
  • Wetlands: Ecological Importance and Conservation Measures
  • Ocean Acidification: Causes and Effects on Marine Life
  • Green Architecture: Innovations and Challenges
  • Sustainable Waste Management: Technological Innovations and Best Practices

Environmental Research Topics for University

  • Interconnections Between Forest Fires and Climate Change
  • Assessing Sustainability in Supply Chain Management
  • Urban Sprawl and Environmental Degradation: A Case Study
  • GMO Crops: An Environmental and Social Analysis
  • Geospatial Techniques in Environmental Conservation
  • Water Quality in Developing Countries: Comprehensive Study
  • Marine Pollution: Sources, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies
  • Environmental Ethics: Perspectives and Applications
  • Soil Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Control Measures
  • Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation
  • Sustainable Urban Development: New Avenues and Challenges
  • Nanotechnology in Environmental Remediation: A Critical Review
  • Climate Policy and International Relations: A Complex Nexus
  • Sustainable Fashion: Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions
  • Technological Innovations in Renewable Energy: A Trend Analysis
  • Green Spaces and Mental Health: An Interdisciplinary Review
  • Trends in Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
  • Wildlife Trafficking and Environmental Security: A Global Perspective
  • Analyzing the Health Effects of Air Pollution
  • Disposal and Management of Hazardous Waste: Current Techniques and Challenges

Topics in Environmental Science Research

  • Challenges of Sustainable Resource Management
  • Environmental Epigenetics: A New Frontier
  • Plant-Based Diets and Sustainability: A Deeper Insight
  • Unfolding Mysteries of Climate Migration Patterns
  • Urban Ecology: Interactions of Humans and Nature
  • Biochar as a Soil Amendment: An Analysis
  • Threats to Arctic Ecosystems: A Detailed Review
  • Influence of Mining Activities on Local Environments
  • Deciphering the Ozone Layer Depletion Puzzle
  • Flood Risk Management in Changing Climates
  • Regenerative Agriculture: Practices and Prospects
  • Methane Emissions From Livestock Farming: A Critical Review
  • Ecohydrology: Interactions Between Water and Ecosystems
  • Ecological Restoration of Degraded Landscapes
  • Exploring the World of Conservation Genetics
  • Plastic Pollution in Terrestrial Environments: An Emerging Issue
  • Bioinformatics in Biodiversity Conservation: A Novel Approach
  • Sustainable Tourism Practices: A Global Overview
  • Life Cycle Analysis of Consumer Products
  • Urban Farming Innovations: A Potential Solution for Food Security

Research Topics for Environmental Issues

  • Deciphering the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Anthropogenic Effects
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Innovation and Adoption Challenges
  • Environmental Governance: Comparative Analysis of Global Frameworks
  • Quantifying Biodiversity: Advanced Metrics and Methodologies
  • Radiative Forcing From Atmospheric Aerosols: A Detailed Study
  • Advancing Sustainable Urban Development: A Systems Perspective
  • Environmental Risks of Nanomaterials: A Comprehensive Review
  • Plant-Microbe Interactions in Phytoremediation: Molecular Mechanisms
  • Ecological Modelling for Ecosystem Service Valuation
  • Assessing Future Trajectories of Sea Level Rise
  • Climate Change Adaptation: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policy Interventions
  • Agricultural Practices and Soil Carbon Sequestration: An In-Depth Study
  • Socioeconomic Determinants of Environmental Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
  • Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions: Novel Approaches
  • Challenges in Implementing a Circular Economy: A Case Study
  • Holocene Climate Variability: Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions
  • Green Chemistry: Emerging Techniques and Environmental Implications
  • Bioenergy Production: Environmental Trade-Offs and Opportunities
  • Ecosystem Resilience in the Face of Anthropogenic Disturbances

Environmental Safety and Health Topics for Research

  • Health Implications of Air Quality: A Comprehensive Study
  • Assessing Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry
  • Water Quality and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
  • Developing Safety Protocols in the Chemical Industry
  • Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases
  • Managing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
  • Radioactive Pollution: Risks and Mitigation Strategies
  • Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
  • Biosecurity Measures in Agriculture: Policies and Implementation
  • Assessing Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms to Human Health
  • Exposure to Heavy Metals: Health Risks and Regulatory Standards
  • Quantifying Health Impacts of Industrial Pollutants
  • Food Safety in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions
  • Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases: A Detailed Study
  • Developing Protocols for Hazardous Waste Management
  • Assessing the Health Effects of Microplastics Exposure
  • Understanding Health Risks of Pesticide Exposure in Agriculture
  • Psychosocial Factors and Safety Culture in the Oil and Gas Industry
  • Health Impact Assessment of Nuclear Energy Facilities

Environmental Engineering Topics for Research

  • Innovative Techniques in Wastewater Treatment
  • Biofuel Production: Process Optimization and Scale-Up Challenges
  • Advancements in Water Desalination Technologies
  • Novel Materials for Photovoltaic Cells
  • Harnessing Energy From Tidal and Wave Power: Engineering Challenges
  • Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
  • Remediation Techniques for Contaminated Soil
  • Carbon Capture and Storage: Technological Developments
  • Improving Efficiency of Wind Turbines: A Technical Review
  • Sustainable Construction Materials: A Life Cycle Analysis
  • Geotechnical Considerations for Offshore Wind Farms
  • Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications
  • Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment
  • Modeling and Optimization of Landfill Gas Recovery
  • Acid Mine Drainage: Mitigation Strategies and Techniques
  • Environmental Biotechnology: Harnessing Microbes for Pollution Control
  • Heat Transfer in Energy Efficient Buildings: An Analysis
  • Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites for Construction Applications
  • Sustainable Approaches to Pavement Design and Materials
  • Developing Energy Efficient Processes in Chemical Industries

Research Topics for Environmental Biology

  • Unraveling Symbiotic Relationships in Coral Reefs
  • Genetic Diversity and Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach
  • Decoding the Functioning of Biofilms in Environmental Systems
  • Plant-Soil Interactions in Changing Climate Scenarios
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Bioremediation
  • Eco-Immunology: Exploring Disease Dynamics in Wildlife Populations
  • Plant Adaptation Strategies to Abiotic Stress Factors
  • Marine Microbial Ecology: Unseen Life in the Oceans
  • Metagenomics Approaches in Soil Microbial Ecology
  • Understanding Invasive Species: Genetic and Ecological Perspectives
  • Examining Trophic Interactions Under Climate Change
  • Phylogenetic Analysis of Endangered Species for Conservation Strategies
  • Genomics of Extremophiles: Survival in Harsh Environments
  • Investigating Effects of Plastic Pollutants on Aquatic Life
  • Landscape Genetics: Applications in Conservation Biology
  • Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress
  • Disease Dynamics in Pollinator Populations
  • Functional Traits in Community Ecology: A Novel Approach
  • Metabolic Engineering for Biofuel Production

Environmental Law Topics for Research

  • Environmental Justice in Land Use Planning: A Legal Perspective
  • Assessing Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Markets
  • International Law and Marine Plastic Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis
  • Enforcement Challenges in Wildlife Trafficking Laws
  • Analysis of Climate Change Litigation: Global Trends
  • Understanding the Legal Aspects of Transboundary Water Conflicts
  • Legal Frameworks for the Conservation of Migratory Species
  • Analysis of Environmental Impact Assessment Laws Across Countries
  • Regulating Genetically Modified Organisms: A Comparative Legal Study
  • Corporate Environmental Responsibility: Legal and Ethical Dimensions
  • Evaluating Legal Mechanisms for Marine Protected Areas
  • Exploring Legal Implications of Geoengineering Techniques
  • Regulatory Challenges in the Transition to Renewable Energy
  • Forest Rights and Conservation: A Legal Analysis
  • Legal Frameworks for the Protection of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge
  • Laws Regulating Hazardous Waste Management: A Comparative Study
  • Legal Implications of Ecological Restoration Projects
  • Regulation of Pesticides: Balancing Health and Environmental Concerns
  • Legal Instruments for Regulating Noise Pollution: An Overview
  • Analysis of International Agreements on Biodiversity Conservation

Environmental Research Topics About Economics

  • Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services: A Critical Review
  • Economic Analysis of Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
  • Socioeconomic Drivers of Deforestation: A Comprehensive Study
  • Green Growth: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
  • Assessing the Economic Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
  • Economic Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation: An Overview
  • Incorporating Environmental Costs in Product Pricing: A Case Study
  • Investigating the Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage
  • Market-Based Instruments for Pollution Control: A Detailed Analysis
  • Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters: A Global Perspective
  • Analysis of Cap-and-Trade Systems for Carbon Emissions
  • Investigating the Effectiveness of Environmental Taxes
  • Economic Analysis of Sustainable Agriculture Practices
  • Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Biofuel Production
  • Economic Implications of Water Scarcity: A Cross-Country Analysis
  • Transition to a Circular Economy: Economic and Policy Considerations
  • Economics of Sustainable Urban Development: A Detailed Study
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Green Building Techniques
  • Economic Impacts of Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise

Environmental History Research Topics

  • Perception of Climate Change: A Historical Analysis
  • Amazon Rainforest’s Environmental History Unraveled
  • Consequences of the Agricultural Revolution on Environment: A Detailed Study
  • United States Environmental Movements: An Historical Exploration
  • Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Environmental Challenges
  • Green Spaces in Urban Planning: A History of Urban Parks
  • Global Patterns and Causes of Deforestation: A Historical Overview
  • Insights From Paleoclimatology: Climate Variability in Historical Context
  • Arctic Exploration and Its Environmental History
  • The Emergence of Environmental Law: A Historical Understanding
  • From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: A History of Energy Transition
  • River Management and Conservation: Historical Perspectives
  • Lessons for Climate Change Adaptation From The Dust Bowl History
  • Causes and Consequences of Marine Pollution: A Historical Analysis
  • Natural Resource Exploitation in Colonial Periods: A Historical Overview
  • Forest Management Practices: Historical Insights
  • Endangered Species Conservation: Understanding the Historical Context
  • Environmental Implications of Pesticide Use: A Historical Analysis
  • Nuclear Age: Unraveling Its Environmental History

Controversial Environmental Research Topics

  • Genetically Modified Crops: Environmental Savior or Biohazard?
  • Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
  • Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Environmental Consequences
  • Climate Change Denial: Analyzing the Motives and Consequences
  • Geoengineering Solutions for Climate Change: Promise or Peril?
  • Anthropocene: Valid Geological Epoch or Human Egotism?
  • Intensive Animal Farming: Environmental Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas
  • De-extinction and Its Potential Ecological Consequences
  • Plastic Waste Management: Incineration vs. Recycling
  • Neonicotinoids and Bee Decline: Assessing the Controversy
  • Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection: Reconciling the Dichotomy
  • Landfilling vs. Zero Waste Approach: A Comparative Study
  • Ocean Fertilization as a Carbon Sequestration Strategy
  • E-Waste Management: Export or Domestic Recycling?
  • Noise Pollution: Overlooked Environmental Hazard or Nuisance Issue?
  • Fast Fashion Industry and Its Environmental Footprint
  • Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Management: Boon or Bane?
  • Palm Oil Production and Biodiversity Loss: A Complex Connection
  • Desalination Plants: Solution for Water Scarcity or Ecological Threat?

Persuasive Environmental Research Topics

  • Promoting Green Energy Transition: Evaluating Success Stories
  • Waste Segregation at Source: An Essential Step Toward Effective Waste Management
  • Adoption of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Nature-Based Solutions: An Underutilized Tool in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Changing Consumer Behavior for Sustainable Fashion
  • Shifting to Public Transportation: A Key to Urban Sustainability
  • Coral Reef Protection: Strategies and Success Stories
  • Green Building: A Must for Sustainable Urban Development
  • Incorporation of Environmental Education Into School Curriculum
  • The Shift From Fast to Slow Fashion: Need of the Hour
  • Afforestation as a Natural Climate Solution: Examining Its Potential
  • Promoting Circular Economy: A Way Forward for Waste Reduction
  • Divestment From Fossil Fuels: An Imperative Climate Action
  • Supporting Indigenous Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation
  • Plant-Based Diet: A Strategy for Reducing Carbon Footprint
  • Urban Green Spaces: Essential for Human Wellbeing and Biodiversity
  • Adoption of Electric Vehicles: A Key to Reduce Carbon Emissions
  • Reducing Single-Use Plastics: A Critical Move Toward Sustainability
  • Transitioning to Sustainable Fishing Practices: A Global Priority
  • Decentralized Renewable Energy Systems: A Solution for Energy Access and Climate Mitigation

Argumentative Environmental Research Topics

  • Dams and Hydroelectric Power: Net Gain or Loss for the Environment?
  • Wind Energy: Assessing Arguments Around Bird Mortality
  • Population Control: Necessary Environmental Strategy or Human Rights Violation?
  • International Trade and Its Environmental Consequences
  • Arguments Around Carbon Trading and Its Efficacy
  • Trophy Hunting: Conservation Strategy or Ecological Disaster?
  • Marine Protected Areas: Effective Conservation or Displacement of Fishing Pressure?
  • Arguments For and Against Climate Change Geoengineering
  • Food Waste: Ethical, Environmental, and Economic Implications
  • GMOs and Biodiversity: Assessing Potential Risks
  • Arguments Surrounding Water Fluoridation: An Environmental Perspective
  • Ecotourism: Sustainable Practice or Threat to Wild Areas?
  • Carbon Capture and Storage: Viable Solution or Costly Distraction?
  • Deep Sea Mining: Economic Opportunity or Ecological Risk?
  • Aquaculture: Solution to Overfishing or New Environmental Problem?
  • Arguments For and Against Biofuels as a Green Energy Source
  • Fusion Energy: Future of Clean Energy or Pipe Dream?
  • Debate Around the Environmental Effects of Cryptocurrency Mining
  • Environmental Implications of Space Travel and Exploration

Research Topics for Environmental Debates

  • Pros and Cons of Solar Geoengineering as a Climate Solution
  • Arguments Surrounding the Use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
  • Land Rights vs. Conservation: Examining the Debate
  • Debate Around Large-Scale Reforestation and Natural Forest Regrowth
  • Investigating the Controversy Over Invasive Species Control
  • Environmental Justice in Waste Management: A Heated Debate
  • Nuclear Power in the Age of Renewable Energy: An Ongoing Debate
  • Controversy and Debate Surrounding Carbon Taxes
  • Debating the Effects of Air Travel on Climate Change
  • Green New Deal: Revolution or Unrealistic Ambition?
  • The Controversy Around Synthetic Meat: Environmental Savior or Unproven Experiment?
  • Analyzing the Debate Surrounding E-Waste Export Policies
  • Understanding the Ongoing GMO Labeling Debate
  • Debates Around Solar Energy and Land Use
  • Animal Rights vs. Conservation: Unpacking the Conflict
  • Exploring the Controversial Intersection of Environmentalism and Immigration
  • Debate Over Ocean Acidification and Its Effects on Marine Life
  • Investigating the Debate on the Environmental Impact of Veganism
  • Analyzing the Controversy Over Urban Vertical Farming
  • Debate Surrounding Environmental Cost of Electric vs. Gasoline Cars

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

293 good nutrition research topics & ideas, 801 chemistry research topics & interesting ideas.

Colorado College

Environmental Studies and Science

Thesis topics.

If you are a junior EV major, it is time to start thinking about the possibility of a senior thesis, particularly the thesis topic. Sophomores, it's never too early to start planning your thesis, such as travel funds or specific research plans. 

Here we have compiled a list of EV faculty and their research interests. Look it through and see if any topic or area of interest catches your eye. 

Research Themes & Study Areas:

Miro kummel.

  • Spatial dynamics of ladybug-aphid predator-prey dynamics on short grass prairies. Field work (May+June) and mathematical modeling using R.
  • Spatial analysis of habitat use by mountain lions and elk in Catamount Center area on Pikes Peak
  • Dynamics of insect pests and their natural enemies (several possibilities on Western Slope and in the Pueblo area)
  • Spatial pattern formation at the treeline edge and its relevance for treeline advance in response to climate change (drones)
  • Microclimatology of treelines (Drones)
  • Dendrochronology and dendroclimatology of treeline advance.
  • Spatial structure of tundra or prairie vegetation (drones)
  • Indicators of rangeland health from remote sensing using drones (Chico Basin Ranch)
  • Phytoplankton and zooplankton dynamics in relation to nutrient loading in eutrophic water bodies.

Corina McKendry

  • City sustainability
  • Environmental justice
  • Climate adaptation
  • Globalization and the environment

Mike Angstadt

  • Norm diffusion: how/why new institutions spread (e.g., environmental courts), and implications
  • Norm implementation: how domestic institutions incorporate international environmental la
  • Nonstate environmental governance: NGOs in global environmental governance and law
  • Alaskan environmental law & policy
  • Renewable energy policy and equity
  • Climate law/governance
  • Rights of nature movements
  • Earth system law
  • Opportunities/mechanisms for exchange between: (1) environmental judges, (2) judges and academics, and (3) disciplines (environmental law & environmental politics)

Charlotte Gabrielsen

  • Landscape & spatial ecology (to characterize the influence of climate and human land use on landscape patterns and processes)
  • Effects of spatiotemporal ecosystem dynamics on biodiversity (particularly, in wetland ecosystems)
  • GIS & remote sensing (as tools to inform conservation & management planning)
  • Smallholder agricultural mitigation and adaptation
  • Gender equity and justice
  • Community-based Management

Allison Lawman

  • Past, present, and future climate change
  • Oceanography and atmospheric science
  • The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
  • Tropical Pacific decadal variability
  • Abrupt climate change
  • Stable isotope geochemistry
  • Trace metal geochemistry
  • Climate model output
  • Climate impacts on coral reefs (thermal stress and ocean acidification)

Sylvan Goldberg

  • Pre-1900 American literature
  • Environmental literature
  • Literature of the American West
  • The relationship between place, nature, identity, and literary form
  • Affect/emotion, gender (queer ecology), and temporality

Marion Hourdequin

  • Environmental ethics
  • Ethics & climate change, including climate justice and the ethics of climate engineering
  • Ethics and philosophy of ecological restoration; restoration in landscapes with complex socio-ecological histories
  • Philosophy, ethics, and the Anthropocene
  • Nature in East Asian traditions of thought (esp. Confucianism and Daoism)
  • Philosophy of science, values in science, science-society relationship
  • Philosophy of ecology
  • Additional areas of interest: environmental justice; philosophy of ecosystem services; Aldo Leopold; ethics of de-extinction

Eric Perramond

Southwest Studies

  • Water resources, law, and water policy
  • Natural Resource Management & Conservation
  • Decolonizing Conservation (broadly - Bears Ears, Valles Caldera, etc.)
  • Militarization of the American West/Southwest (Border wall, nuclear sacrifice zones, military open spaces)
  • Areas : Southwest U.S., Mexico, Latin America, Western Europe
  • Water adjudications of water resources in the western U.S.
  • Impacts of neo-liberal economic policies in Mexico
  • Livelihood and environmental justice crises in the Southwestern U.S.
  • Boundary layer meteorology – energy fluxes over heterogeneous surfaces
  • Biometeorology – energy flux across interfaces in ecosystems

Henry Fricke

  • Paleoclimatology
  • Geochemistry
  • Environmental history
  • U.S. empire
  • History of natural history
  • Museum studies
  • Science and technology studies

Shane Heschel

Organismal Biology and Ecology

  • Physiological ecology of plant populations, particularly in stressful environments
  • Local adaptation and the evolution of physiological mechanisms
  • Factors driving the local extinction of plant populations
  • Population genetics and Conservation genetics

Eli Fahrenkrug

  • Probing Aerosol and Dust Particle Migration within Individual Snow Grains and their Impacts on Snow Albedo and Radiative Forcing Models
  • Developing New Citizen-Accessible Water Quality Diagnostics for Use in Low-Resource Areas
  • The Fountain Valley Water Project: a local community-based citizen science project responding to PFAS contamination in drinking water

Howard Drossman

  • How do students develop conceptions of ecological stewardship?
  • Environmental education
  • Integral approaches to studying the environment
  • Mindfulness and the environment
  • Atmospheric chemistry
  • Aquatic chemistry
  • Biogeochemical cycling

ESPM175 May 2021: Table of Contents

Senior research seminar.

Environmental Sciences Major, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-2922

Patina Mendez

Graduate Student Instructors

Leslie McGinnis & Kyle Leathers

Environmental Sciences Senior Thesis Symposium, April 17th, 2021

View Program

Wildfire Risks & Perceptions

Natalie Coy Comparing Methods for Estimating Woody Debris Properties in a Mixed-Conifer Forest

Grant Nguyen Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Seed Germination in Tilden Park

Sarah Hettema Fuels Influence on Fire Regimes in California's Ecosystems

Joneil D. Manansala Environmental and Public Health Risks from Wildfires in the San Francisco Bay Area

Grace Zhuang Climate Change and Wildfire: Examining Influences on Public Opinion in the Bay Area

Perceptions, Preferences & Consumption

Jacqueline Michelle Davis Analyzing Fast Fashion Brand Loyalty and Avoidance among UC Berkeley Students

Zhenshan Guo The Potential Impact of Human Consumption on the Population of Asian Carp in America

Anna Kate Stephenson How Education on Entomophagy Influences Customer Willingness to Purchase Edible Insects in the US

Serafina Casey Greenwashing in Sustainable Clothing Brands

Hillary Thuy Nhien Tran Produce Packaging Alternatives to Plastic: Consumer Insights on Circular Economy and Compostability

Environmental Policy & Energy

Emily Gracheva Yen Assessing California's Climate Targets and Road Transportation Policy Using Near-Real-Time Emission Estimation

Elizabeth Shehter Wind Energy Generation Potential Under Climate Models across California: A Downscaling Approach with Artificial Neural Networks

Noah McDonald Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Vehicle Market Growth and Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction Potential in California

Katie T. Wimsatt Congress, Climate, and Congress: Green Priorities in the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2000-2021

Rebecca Y. Wu Impacts of United States Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement

Natlie Y. Lee Affordable Housing for Climate Change: A Study of the Relationship Between Housing Cost and Transportation Footprint of UC Berkeley Undergraduates Agreement

Water Quality & Management

Jackson B. Gillespie An In-depth Analysis of the Mokelumne River Water Quality Near Lodi Lake

Jasmine Casey Mapping Flooding Hazard in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta -->

Matthew I. Oh Mitigating Nonpoint Source Pollution Across Oahu with Geographic Information Systems

Hayden J. Street Determining Optimal Canopy Cover and Terrain Features for Snow Accumulation and Retention in the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness, CA

Sion Calabretta Supporting CA Human Right to Water: Assessing Statewide Water Quality Monitoring Tools and Promoting Accountability of Government Monitoring

Freshwater & Marine Ecology

Anna Ramji Finding what tries to not be found: Analyzing patterns in cryptic behavior of Octopus chierchiae in laboratory settings

Queenie Li Mediterranean Climate Flows and In-Stream Fauna: Mosquitofish and Invertebrate Abundances in Grayson Creek, California

Ellie Pumpkin Habitat Restoration and Channel Complexity in Lagunitas Creek, CA: Implications for Endangered Coho Salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch )

Cole K. Westwood Minidiscus trioculatus growth in response to climate change

Aileen M. Lavelle Geospatial Analysis of Loggerhead Sea Turtle Hatchling Success: Do Buildings and Caging Alter Hatchling Mortality from Predators on the West Coast of Florida?

Elizabeth Pyle Global Pattern Analysis of the Amphibian Disease Chytridiomycosis

Environmental Health & Justice

Isabela A. Avila Breach Central American Migrants and their Perceptions and Lived Experiences with Environmental Change

Yuna Tae Connection Between Chinese Refineries and DRC Cobalt Mines, 2015-2020

Phoebe C. Goulden Neoliberalism, Protest, and Environmentalism in Chile: The Role of Environmental Concerns in the 2019 estallido social

Thảo Nguyên (Sarah) Bùi Co-Benefits of Bridges Construction in the Mekong Delta

Savannah M. Sturla Effects of Air Quality Disparities on Youth Asthma in the San Francisco Bay Area

Connecting to the Environment in a Global Pandemic

Daisy Knobloch Parks in Pandemics: Assessing the Role of Urban Green Space in the Age of COVID-19

Gabriella Naylor Air Pollution Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic Shelter-in-Place Orders

Miracris Tiguelo Villanueva Analysis of Mask Wearing Motivations and Compliance in Outdoor Recreational Spaces During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Lake Chabot Regional Park

Lauren Rocheleau The Effects of COVID-19 on PPE Litter on U.S. Coastlines

Haylee Oyler It's not just for the Birds: Citizen Science Participation during COVID-19

Community Engagement & Education

Sasha Mizenin Focusing on Indigenous Visions of Climate Resilience in the Bay Area

Annika Levaggi Berkeley Student Farms: A Community-Informed Model for Urban Agriculture Education at UC Berkeley

Alyssa Plascencia "Environmental Literacy for All": High School Environmental Education in California

Genna M. Fudin Community Composting in the East Bay, CA: Design-Based Research with Berkeley Student Farms

Emily Ann Robles FAIR Motivated Metadata: Metadata Requirement Variation between Environmental Science Data Repositories

Forests & Fields

Gisel Y. DeLaCerda Diverse Farms and Urban Gardens Serve as Refuges for Native Specialist Pollinators

Madalyn Miles Food in the Forest: Helping the Soil by Growing Crops With Agroforestry Food in the Forest: Helping the Soil by Growing Crops With Agroforestry -->

Jennifer Symonds Remote Sensing of Winter Time Cover Crops in California's Central Coast Region

Hannah Qiang Environmental Benefits and Impacts of Rooftop Greenhouses in Oakland, California

Holden S. Payne Modified Group Selection Silvicultural Regimes: Supplanting Herbicide Application on Establishing Coniferous Seedlings in the Mixed Conifer Forest of Sierra Nevada

Plant & Soil Ecology

Gloria-Alexandra V. Gueorguieva Engineering Reduced Cyanogenic Glucoside Accumulation in Cassava Roots

Matthew L. French Impacts of Long and Short-Term Antibiotic Exposure on Arabidopsis thaliana Fitness

Nicole S. Elgersma Vegetative Responses to Drought Events in California Grasslands

Gregory J. Hinson Understanding Geomorphological Changes of Dunes after Invasive Plant Species Restorations

Green Spaces & the Urban Environment

Laura Mackenzie Where does the inequity lie? Trends in the Use, Access, and Impacts of UC Berkeley Campus Green Spaces on Undergraduate Students

Chunyao Stephanie Huang Urban Creek Plastic Pollution in the Bay Area, California: Protections, Litter Compositions and Sources

Meghan Chau Cruz Assessing Urban Green Spaces in Berkeley, California as an Equity Mechanism

Brian Y. Price Low Impact Development for Stormwater Management on the University of California, Berkeley Campus

Andrea G. Uribe Not Just a Nickel! Social Justice Implications of California's Bottle Bill in Bakersfield

About the Program

These studies were undertaken by seniors in the Environmental Sciences Group Major, a program administered by the Department of Enviromental Science, Policy, and Management in the Rausser College of Natural Resources at the University of California at Berkeley. The Environmental Sciences major allows students to concentrate in one of three fields of specialization: biological science, physical science, and social science. In their senior year, students in the major participate in a two-semester Senior Research Seminar, investigating an environmental topic of current concern. This project gives the students experience in field work, general research techniques, and oral and written presentation of research results. This volume is the compilation of research reports from the Fall 2020 to Spring 2021 Senior Research Seminars.

ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst

Home > CNS > ECO > Environmental Conservation Masters Theses Collection

Environmental Conservation

Environmental Conservation Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

Effects of Habitat, Density, and Climate on Moose and Winter Tick Ecology in the northeastern U.S. , Juliana Berube, Environmental Conservation

Adaptive Silviculture for Wildlife: Supporting Forest Biodiversity Through Climate Adaptation , Jahiya Clark, Environmental Conservation

Comparing Likelihood of Tree Failure Assessments Using Different Assessment Techniques , Ari Okun, Environmental Conservation

Use of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (Drones) Based Remote Sensing to Model Platform Topography and Identify Human-made Earthen Barriers in Salt Marshes , Joshua J. Ward, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2023 2023

Modeling the Effects of Forest Management Practices on Ecohydrologic Processes in the Antalya River Watershed of Turkey , Hilal Arslan, Environmental Conservation

HYDRO-SOCIAL TERRITORIES AND OIL PALM PLANTATIONS: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, AGRIBUSINESS, AND SAFE WATER ACCESS UNDER POWER RELATIONS IN KAIS, WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA , Briantama Asmara, Environmental Conservation

Evaluation of Acoustic Telemetry Array Performance and Fine- Scale and Broad-Scale Spatial Movement Patterns for Coral Reef Species in Culebra, Puerto Rico , Roxann Cormier, Environmental Conservation

Improving Energy Efficiency of School Buildings with Solar-Assisted Cooling for the Maldives , Ahmed Fathhee, Environmental Conservation

Pine Barrens Wildlife Management: Exploring the Impact of a Stressor and Active Management on Two Taxa at Camp Edwards , Andrew B. Gordon Jr, Environmental Conservation

Factors Affecting the Distribution of Malayan Sun Bear in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Northern Myanmar , Min Hein Htike, Environmental Conservation

A Multi-Regional Assessment of Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) Occupancy in Managed and Unmanaged Forests Using Autonomous Recording Units , Jeffery T. Larkin, Environmental Conservation

Climate Change Attitudes of United States Family Forest Owners and their Influence on Forest Management Practices , Logan Miller, Environmental Conservation

The Relative Effects of Functional Diversity and Structural Complexity on Carbon Dynamics in Late-Successional, Northeastern Mixed Hardwood Forests , Samantha Myers, Environmental Conservation

Factors influencing the occurrence and spread of aquatic invasive species in watershed systems , Hazel M. Ortiz, Environmental Conservation

PARTICIPATORY WETLAND GOVERNANCE IN RAMSAR – ASSESSING LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION IN INDIA , Seema Ravandale, Environmental Conservation

A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF THE LINKED DECISIONS IN THE CONFISCATION OF ILLEGALLY TRADED TURTLES , Desiree Smith, Environmental Conservation

Effect of Alliaria petiolata management on post-eradication seed bank dynamics , Chloe Thompson, Environmental Conservation

Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) Population Dynamics and Response to Habitat Management in Massachusetts , Julia Vineyard, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2022 2022

Assessment of the Economic and Ecosystem Service Contributions of USDA Forest Service Landowner Assistance Programs in the Conterminous United States , Jacqueline S. Dias, Environmental Conservation

Exploring Urban Forestry Non-Governmental Organizations in the Temperate Forest Region of the United States , Alexander J. Elton, Environmental Conservation

Songbird-mediated Insect Pest Control in Low Intensity New England Agriculture , Samuel J. Mayne, Environmental Conservation

Perception and Value Assessment of Ecosystem Services in Rural and Urban Regions in Ecuador , Roberto S. Navarrete Arias, Environmental Conservation

Identifying New Invasives In The Face Of Climate Change: A Focus On Sleeper Populations , Ayodelé C. O'Uhuru, Environmental Conservation

A Tipping Point in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest: Current and Future Land-Use and Climate Change Trends , Alula Shields, Environmental Conservation

Dynamics of Water Supply and Demand in the Bandama River Watershed of Cote d'Ivoire , Sarah Alima Traore, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2021 2021

Applying Ecological Theory to Amphibian Populations to Determine if Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) are Ideal and Free when Selecting Breeding Habitat , Taylor M. Braunagel, Environmental Conservation

Assessing the Impacts to Society Associated with the Use of Alternative Ammunition for Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges , Christopher Cahill, Environmental Conservation

Evaluation of Environmental Factors Influencing American Marten Distribution and Density in New Hampshire , Donovan Drummey, Environmental Conservation

Can Volunteers Learn to Prune Trees? , Ryan W. Fawcett, Environmental Conservation

The Efficacy of Habitat Conservation Assistance Programs for Family Forest Owners in Vermont , Margaret E. Harrington, Environmental Conservation

The Role of Vegetative Cover in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change and Improving Public Health , Anastasia D. Ivanova, Environmental Conservation

Assessing the Structure and Function of Utility Forests in Massachusetts , Ryan Suttle, Environmental Conservation

Factors Influencing Stopover and Movement of Migratory Songbirds within the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge , Jessica Tatten, Environmental Conservation

Patterns and mechanisms of intraspecific trait variation across thermal gradients in a marine gastropod , Andrew R. Villeneuve, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2020 2020

Habitat Associations of Priority Bird Species and Conservation Value on Small, Diversified Farms in New England , Isabel Brofsky, Environmental Conservation

Autonomous Recording Units as an Alternative Method for Monitoring Songbirds , Lindsay Clough, Environmental Conservation

Impact of Predators on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in the Eastern and Western United States , Ryan Crandall, Environmental Conservation

New England’s Underutilized Seafood Species: Defining And Exploring Marketplace Potential In A Changing Climate , Amanda Davis, Environmental Conservation

Improving Growth and Survival of Cultured Yellow Lampmussel (Lampsilis cariosa) for Restoring Populations , Virginia Martell, Environmental Conservation

From Intentional Awareness to Environmental Action: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Pro-Environmental Behaviors , Nischal Neupane, Environmental Conservation

The Ecological Value of Spruce Plantations in Massachusetts , Calvin Ritter, Environmental Conservation

In-vitro Propagation and Fish Assessments to Inform Restoration of Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta Heterodon) , Jennifer Ryan, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2019 2019

Hydrologic Structure and Function of Vernal Pools in South Deerfield, Massachusetts , Charlotte Axthelm, Environmental Conservation

Ecological and Economic Implications of Establishing Quercus spp. in the Urban Environment , Tierney Bocsi, Environmental Conservation

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Management Effectiveness and Plant Community Response , Erin Coates-Connor, Environmental Conservation

Defining and Addressing Interconnected Goals in Groundwater Management Planning Across the USA , Allison Gage, Environmental Conservation

Root-Driven Weathering Impacts on Mineral-Organic Associations Over Pedogenic Time Scales , Mariela Garcia Arredondo, Environmental Conservation

Using Visual Media to Empower Citizen Scientists: A Case Study of the Outsmart App , Megan E. Kierstead, Environmental Conservation

Urban Biodiversity Experience and Exposure: Intervention and Inequality at the Local and Global Scale , Evan Kuras, Environmental Conservation

Arboriculture Safety Around The World , Jamie Lim, Environmental Conservation

Ecological Considerations and Application of Urban Tree Selection in Massachusetts , Ashley McElhinney, Environmental Conservation

The Women's Action: Participation through Resistance , Michael Roberts, Environmental Conservation

Eastern Whip-poor-will Habitat Associations in Fort Drum, NY , Kimberly Spiller, Environmental Conservation

The Role of International River Basin Organizations in Facilitating Science Use in Policy , Kelsey Wentling, Environmental Conservation

An Examination of Tern Diet in a Changing Gulf of Maine , Keenan Yakola, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2018 2018

Mapping Sandbars in the Connecticut River Watershed through Aerial Images for Floodplain Conservation , Bogumila Backiel, Environmental Conservation

You Must Estimate Before You Indicate: Design and Model-Based Methods for Evaluating Utility of a Candidate Forest Indicator Species , Jillian Fleming, Environmental Conservation

Performance of Floristic Quality Assessment in Massachusetts Forested Wetlands , Carolyn Gorss, Environmental Conservation

The Impact of Intraspecific Density on Garlic Mustard Sinigrin Concentration , Mercedes Harris, Environmental Conservation

Plants, Parasites, and Pollinators: The Effects of Medicinal Pollens on a Common Gut Parasite in Bumble Bees , George LoCascio, Environmental Conservation

Human and Climate Change Influences on Black (Diceros bicornis) and White (Ceratotherium simum) Rhinos in Southern Africa , Hlelolwenkhosi S. Mamba, Environmental Conservation

Watershed-Scale Modeling for Water Resource Sustainability in the Tuul River Basin of Mongolia , Javzansuren Norvanchig, Environmental Conservation

Impacts of Small, Surface-Release Dams on Stream Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen in Massachusetts , Peter Zaidel, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2017 2017

Accounting For Biotic Variability In Streams With Low Levels of Impervious Cover: The Role of Reach- and Watershed-Scale Factors , Catherine Bentsen, Environmental Conservation

Juvenile River Herring in Freshwater Lakes: Sampling Approaches for Evaluating Growth and Survival , Matthew T. Devine, Environmental Conservation

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF CLIMATE ON BIRD ABUNDANCE ALONG ELEVATION GRADIENTS IN THE NORTHERN APPALACHIANS , Timothy Duclos, Environmental Conservation

EVALUATION OF THE RECREATIONAL CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHERY FOR GOLDEN DORADO SALMINUS BRASILIENSIS IN SALTA, ARGENTINA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT , Tyler Gagne, Environmental Conservation

Botswana’s Elephant-Back Safari Industry – Stress-Response in Working African Elephants and Analysis of their Post-Release Movements , Tanya Lama, Environmental Conservation

Factors Influencing Shrubland Bird and Native Bee Communities in Forest Openings , H. Patrick Roberts, Environmental Conservation

A Mixed-methods Study on Female Landowner Estate Planning Objectives , rebekah zimmerer, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2016 2016

Factors Influencing Household Outdoor Residential Water Use Decisions in Suburban Boston (USA) , Emily E. Argo, Environmental Conservation

Understory Plant Community Structure in Forests Invaded by Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) , Jason Aylward, Environmental Conservation

Factors Affecting Habitat Quality for Wintering Wood Thrushes in a Coffee Growing Region in Honduras , Brett A. Bailey, Environmental Conservation

Invasive Species Occurrence Frequency is not a Suitable Proxy for Abundance in the Northeast , Tyler J. Cross, Environmental Conservation

Population Genetic Analysis of Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in Coastal Massachusetts. , Katherine T. Johnson, Environmental Conservation

Modeling Historical and Future Range of Variability Scenarios in the Yuba River Watershed, Tahoe National Forest, California , Maritza Mallek, Environmental Conservation

The Life History Characteristics, Growth, and Mortality of Juvenile Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, in Coastal Massachusetts , Julianne Rosset, Environmental Conservation

Specific Phosphate Sorption Mechanisms of Unaltered and Altered Biochar , Kathryn D. Szerlag, Environmental Conservation

Trophic Relationships Among Caribou Calf Predators in Newfoundland , Chris Zieminski, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2015 2015

Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Assemblages in Three New York Pine Barrens and the Impacts of Hiking Trails , Grace W. Barber, Environmental Conservation

Niche-Based Modeling of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Using Presence-Only Information , Nathan Bush, Environmental Conservation

Assessing Mammal and Bird Biodiversity and Habitat Occupancy of Tiger Prey in the Hukaung Valley of Northern Myanmar , Hla Naing, Environmental Conservation

Generating Best Management Practices for Avian Conservation in a Land-Sparing Agriculture System, and the Habitat-Specific Survival of a Priority Migrant , Jeffrey D. Ritterson, Environmental Conservation

Experimental Test of Genetic Rescue in Isolated Populations of Brook Trout , Zachary L. Robinson, Environmental Conservation

UNDERSTANDING STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION TOWARDS HUMAN-WILDLIFE INTERACTION AND CONFLICT IN A TIGER LANDSCAPE-COMPLEX OF INDIA , Ronak T. Sripal, Environmental Conservation

Impacts of Land Cover and Climate Change on Water Resources in Suasco River Watershed , Ammara Talib, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2014 2014

A Comparison of American, Canadian, and European Home Energy Performance in Heating Dominated – Moist Climates Based on Building Codes , Stephanie M. Berkland, Environmental Conservation

Spatio-Temporal Factors Affecting Human-Black Bear Interactions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Nathan Buckhout, Environmental Conservation

Estimating the Effective Number of Breeders of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, Over Multiple Generations in Two Stream Systems , Matthew R. Cembrola, Environmental Conservation

An Assessment of Environmental Dna as a Tool to Detect Fish Species in Headwater Streams , Stephen F. Jane, Environmental Conservation

Assessing Wild Canid Distribution Using Camera Traps in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts , Eric G. LeFlore, Environmental Conservation

Quantifying the Effect of Passive Solar Design in Traditional New England Architecture , Peter Levy, Environmental Conservation

Ecology and Conservation of Endangered Species in Sumatra: Smaller Cats and the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus Sumatrensis) As Case Studies , Wulan Pusparini, Environmental Conservation

The Cumulative Impacts of Climate Change and Land Use Change on Water Quantity and Quality in the Narragansett Bay Watershed , Evan R. Ross, Environmental Conservation

Patterns in Trash: Factors that Drive Municipal Solid Waste Recycling , Jared Starr, Environmental Conservation

Theses from 2013 2013

Greening the Building Code: an Analysis of Large Project Review Under Boston Zoning Code Articles 37 and 80 , Sandy J. Beauregard, Environmental Conservation

Vernal Pool Vegetation and Soil Patterns Along Hydrologic Gradients in Western Massachusetts , Kasie Collins, Environmental Conservation

Implementation of Aquaponics in Education: An Assessment of Challenges, Solutions and Success , Emily Rose Hart, Environmental Conservation

Aquatic Barrier Prioritization in New England Under Climate Change Scenarios Using Fish Habitat Quantity, Thermal Habitat Quality, Aquatic Organism Passage, and Infrastructure Sustainability , Alexandra C. Jospe, Environmental Conservation

The Energy Benefits of Trees: Investigating Shading, Microclimate and Wind Shielding Effects in Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts , Emma L. Morzuch, Environmental Conservation

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Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible use and conservation of natural resources to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It covers a wide range of topics, allowing students to explore issues related to the environment, conservation, and sustainable practices. Thus, students must choose the best environmental sustainability dissertation topics for their research.

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What is environmental sustainability and why is it important.

Today, the world is facing the worst implications of climate change in the form of global warming, rising sea levels, droughts and desertification. Environmental sustainability involves responsible and ethical practices that seek to preserve and protect the Earth's natural resources and ecosystems for present and future generations within the framework of environmental law . Human-induced factors, such as the extensive consumption of fossil fuels, have flamed environmental change at a rapid pace . By promoting sustainable practices, we aim to maintain a balance between human activities and the health of the planet, ensuring that our actions do not compromise the well-being of ecosystems or the ability of future generations to meet their needs. 

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To craft a good environmental sustainability dissertation topic, start by exploring relevant environmental science paper topics and research project ideas. It encompasses a broad spectrum of environmental research topics, including environmental engineering dissertation topics, environmental research paper ideas, environmental science research topics, research papers on environment al issues and problems, environmental science project topics, thesis topics and environmental sustainability dissertation topics . Ensure these topics contribute to the ongoing dialogue on sustainability, offering innovative perspectives or solutions. By integrating these elements, your environmental science dissertation topics can make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental science, addressing key challenges and advancing understanding of sustainable practices. 

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180 Environmental Research Topics & Questions to Write about

Environment affects us all, whether we want it or not. Political leaders and students alike discuss ways to tackle environmental topics & issues. Some might argue about the role humans play in all this. The fact remains that our environment is a delicate matter. That’s why we must educate ourselves on the issues related to it.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

In this article by custom writing experts, you’ll find a list of environmental research questions to scrutinize and write about. The environmental essay topics in the collection below are related to economics, health, sociology, law, and even psychology. These ideas might be helpful either for school or for college students.

  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • 🌡️🌍 Climate Change Topics
  • 🏭🌱 Sustainability
  • 🔬🌻 Environmental Science
  • 🌳⚖️ Environmental Law
  • 🧑🌿 Environmentalism

🔬 Top 10 Environmental Research Topics

  • 📖 Environmental Research Questions

🔝 Top 10 Environment Essay Topics

  • The life cycle of tornados
  • History of environmental studies
  • Positive impact of birdwatching
  • Drinking water and the environment
  • Christianity’s impact on the climate crisis
  • Climate’s effect on mountain ecosystems
  • How aviation contributes to global warming
  • Early commercial adaptation of thermal energy
  • What does nuclear meteorology investigate?
  • Fruitarianism’s benefits for the environment

🌡️🌍 Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

Throughout history, the Earth’s climate always fluctuated. Ice ages were followed by warmer periods. However, the increase in temperature we perceive today is unusual. Because of this, climate change is one of today’s most pressing problems. Below we have compiled a list of 25 global warming topics. Have a look!

  • What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
  • Investigate how humans influence the climate.
  • Which regions suffer the most due to the rising sea levels?
  • How did the average weather in your region change over the past 20 years?
  • Why are coral reefs endangered?
  • How do melting glaciers impact the environment?
  • Examine what natural disasters are linked to climate change.
  • What does ocean acidification mean?
  • What are the effects of global warming?
  • Analyze the phenomenon of climate refugees.
  • How does global warming affect biodiversity?
  • Discuss the most significant causes of climate change.
  • Why are hurricanes becoming more intense?

Extinction fact.

  • What are the most significant agricultural problems caused by climate change?
  • How does the excess of CO2 impact the environment?
  • What actions lead to a CO2 increase in the atmosphere?
  • Discuss how hydraulic fracturing affects nature.
  • Explain how the greenhouse effect works.
  • What can each of us do to stop global warming?
  • How is ozone depletion related to climate change?
  • What was the purpose of the Paris Agreement?
  • Investigate how deforestation affects the climate.
  • Can we reverse global warming?
  • Examine why some people don’t believe in climate change.
  • What is the correlation between tree planting and climate change?

🌲 Environmental Research Topics on Ecology

Ecology is a branch of biology that investigates how organisms coexist. The environment shapes the way different species interact with each other. Essential factors can be living, such as nutrition, or nonliving, like water. Here are 25 prompts for your ecology essay:

  • Examine the ecological research methods.
  • What defines the number of organisms living in a community?
  • How does an ecosystem work?
  • Why do plants and animals go extinct?
  • Do non-native snakes threaten the U.S. ecosystem?
  • Explain the elements of population growth.
  • What would the world look like without bees?
  • How do organisms adapt to their environment?
  • Analyze how photosynthesis occurs.
  • What different relationships can organisms form with their surroundings?
  • Discuss the research methods of bird behavioral ecology.
  • How do organisms survive under extreme conditions?
  • Why do some birds migrate?

Ecology can be broadly categorized into five different areas.

  • Investigate why some animals benefit from living alone.
  • What can humans do to prevent pandas from extinction?
  • How do plants help combat climate change?
  • What’s the correlation between water management and ecology issues?
  • How does commercial fishing affect the oceans?
  • What are the most prominent current environmental threats?
  • How does the ecological footprint method work?
  • What are the long-term consequences of plastic use?
  • Analyze how nutrient cycles work.
  • What impact does human waste have on marine ecosystems?
  • Examine the different types of healthy bacteria.
  • How do cacti grow in the desert?

🏭🌱 Sustainability Topics for an Essay

According to the UN World Commission , sustainable development “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Simply put, sustainability means fulfilling the demand without exhausting any resources. Today, it plays a vital role in protecting the environment.

  • Give an example of sustainable practice.
  • Analyze the process of recycling.
  • Investigate what sustainability wants to achieve.
  • Explore the history of the green movement.
  • What can a country do to become greener?
  • Why do we need the concept of sustainable development?
  • Examine the ways of recycling water.
  • How can you make food sources more sustainable?
  • What does zero-waste mean?
  • Talk about the issues related to eco-friendly packaging.
  • Discuss ways of saving more energy.
  • What are the greener alternatives to plastic?
  • Examine the different sources of renewable energy.
  • How can a person live more sustainably?
  • Explain the three pillars of sustainability.

Effective ways to protect the environment.

  • How does green construction work?
  • What’s the connection between sustainability and climate change?
  • What can we do to reduce water pollution?
  • Discuss the impact of globalization on sustainable agriculture.
  • What is responsible consumption?
  • Why should we not use plastic?
  • Describe how wind turbines produce electricity.
  • How can technology become green?
  • What is social sustainability?
  • What are the most critical sustainability issues today?

🔬🌻 Environmental Science Topics for an Essay

Environmental science combines various approaches to study nature. In doing so, it tries to find solutions for ecological issues. Research goes into areas such as pollution and alternative energy. If you want to write about it, have a look at our topics:

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  • What are the environmental impacts of production and consumption?
  • Examine ways of improving agriculture.
  • What are the critical elements of environmental science?
  • Discuss the advantages of green engineering.
  • What are the different types of pollution?
  • Determine the primary goals of environmental science.
  • What are invasive species?
  • Investigate the benefits of reforestation.
  • Describe the Amazon rainforest and its role in the environment.
  • Explore the various types of agriculture.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of GMOs.
  • What effects does a biodiversity loss have on humanity?
  • How do dams and channels affect ecosystems?
  • What is the connection between social and environmental sciences?
  • Why is overpopulation a problem?
  • Explain the process of desertification.
  • How does mining cause environmental disasters?
  • Investigate the Gaia Hypothesis.
  • What are the causes of acid rain?
  • How is our health affected by pollution?

Franklin Roosevelt quote.

  • Explain the importance of energy efficiency.
  • Explore the link between globalization and ecological problems.
  • Why are fossil fuels harmful to the environment?
  • What are ecological niches?
  • Analyze the pros and cons of nuclear energy.

🌳⚖️ Environmental Law Topics for Papers

Environmental law aims to protect nature. It’s the legal foundation of human interaction with their surroundings. Besides, it formulates how we should utilize natural resources. Take a look at these compelling topics for your paper:

  • How is waste regulated in your community?
  • What laws address contaminant cleanup?
  • Why do we need chemical safety regulations?
  • Examine legal ways to curb hunting and fishing.
  • Describe environmental protection in the US and in the Hawaii state.
  • Discuss the Rio Declaration.
  • Why can environmental laws be controversial?
  • What are the advantages of emission certificates?
  • Investigate the process of emissions trading.
  • How does your country regulate air quality?
  • What makes the laws concerning water quality vital?
  • What are the general principles of environmental law?
  • When can a piece of land be declared a natural reserve?
  • Should there be a binding international environmental constitution?
  • Explore the history of environmental law.
  • What purposes do wildlife reserves serve?
  • Discuss the legacy of Kyoto Protocol.
  • Analyze the marine pollution prevention efforts in Australia.
  • What are environmental assessment mandates?
  • Investigate economic incentives for environmental protection.
  • Discuss why ecotourism needs to be regulated.
  • Why is it difficult for some countries to become green?
  • Establish a connection between free trade agreements and ecological problems.
  • Do businesses have to incorporate environmental law?
  • Compare several international agreements on ecological issues.

🧑🌿 Environmentalism Topics to Write About

Movements aiming to protect nature are at the core of environmentalism. The idea first gained traction in the 1960s. Notable organizations include PETA and Greenpeace. If you’re interested in environmentalism, consult this topics list:

  • Investigate the history of environmentalism.
  • Discuss the negative impacts of urban sprawl.
  • What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22.

  • Describe the key concepts of environmentalism.
  • What are the different types of green movements?
  • Compare the goals of various NGOs.
  • What does the WWF do?
  • Describe the main achievements of nature activists.
  • Explain what apocalyptic environmentalism is.
  • Who is Greta Thunberg?
  • Discuss the impact of the Fridays for Future movement.
  • Explain emancipatory environmentalism.
  • Investigate the Animal Liberation Front.
  • Analyze the central concerns of ecofeminism.
  • Why are environmental movements important?
  • Who was John Muir?
  • Explain what ecoterrorism is.
  • Does going green equal saving the environment?
  • Who were the first nature activists?
  • Discuss the influence of green political parties.
  • What is environmental justice?
  • Explain how civic environmentalism works.
  • Are the actions of Greenpeace always justified?
  • What are some examples of good nature activism tactics?
  • Analyze the effect environmentalist movements have on politics.
  • Types of marine pollution
  • Concepts of ecofeminism
  • Causes of grassland degradation
  • Advantages of hydroelectricity
  • Organic farming support in the US
  • Energy conservation in the US
  • What does photochemical smog depend on?
  • Seasonal behavior of urban heat island
  • Nuclear and radiation accident categories
  • Can baffle spray scrubbers control pollution?

📖 Top 10 Environmental Research Questions

  • What are the causes and effects of air pollution?
  • What are the most dangerous effects of climate change?
  • What are the most severe diseases caused by water pollution?
  • Is global warming real?
  • How does deforestation affect people and animals?
  • Do carbon offset programs work?
  • How to prevent and control soil pollution?
  • How does plastic pollution affect marine life?
  • What are the most threatened biodiversity hotspots?
  • What should we do about overpopulation?

We hope this article helped you decide what your paper will be about. If the topic you’ve chosen is still not perfect, feel free to customize it! Good luck, and have fun with your essay.

You might also be interested in:

  • A List of 212 Brilliant Research Proposal Topics to Investigate
  • 220 Interesting Biology Topics for Essays & Research Papers
  • A List of 220 Physics Topics & Questions to Research
  • 300 Interesting Chemistry Topics & Writing Tips
  • 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics

🔍 References

  • Environmental Issues Guide: Giving Compass
  • Climate Change: National Geographic
  • Climate Change and Global Warming: NASA
  • What Is Ecology?: Khan Academy
  • Ecology: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?: Environmental Science
  • Environmentalism: Learning to Give
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Similar to the instructions in a recipe book, process essays convey information in a step-by-step format. In this type of paper, you follow a structured chronological process. You can also call it a how-to essay. A closely related type is a process analysis essay. Here you have to carefully consider...

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Are you looking for environmental research paper topics? With ongoing debates about global warming, air pollution, and other issues, there is no shortage of exciting topics to craft a research paper around. Whether you’re studying ecology, geology, or marine biology, developing the perfect environmental research topic to get your science research assignment off the ground can be challenging. Stop worrying – we got you covered. Continue reading to learn about 235 different ideas on environmental research topics. In this article, we will discuss environmental topics and show you how to choose an interesting research topic for your subject. We will also provide a list of various environmental topics from our research paper services . In addition, we will present you with environmental science research topics, discuss other ideas about the environment for research papers, and offer our final thoughts on these topics for research papers.

What Are Environmental Topics?

Environmental topics provide an analysis of environmental issues and their effect on people, culture, nature, or a particular place, often interdisciplinary, drawing from sciences, politics, economics, sociology, and public policy. Topics about environmental science may include environmental justice, engineering and communication, regulation, economics, and health. Environment research topics may focus on environmental sustainability, impact assessment, management systems, and resources. In addition, these areas for research papers offer a few opportunities to explore our relationship with the environment and consider how human activities influence it through climate change, pollution, or other factors such as natural resource usage as well as biodiversity loss.

What Makes a Good Environmental Research Topic? 

When choosing an environmental research topic, it is essential to consider what makes good environmental topics. Below is an expert list outlining what your topic should be like:

  • It should be interesting and relevant to your study field.
  • It's essential to consider the topic's potential implications on environment-related policies. Think about the possible positive or negative effects this topic could have when implemented in terms of protecting our environment.
  • A good topic should be specific enough to provide a focus for your research paper and allow you to explore a particular issue in depth.
  • The research topic should be feasible and manageable to ensure that you can find the necessary information and resources.
  • Environmental sciences research topics should be current and relevant to ecological developments.

How to Choose Environmental Science Topics?

When choosing research topics for environmental science, it is essential to research the available information and determine its relevance. It all depends on whether the research topic is feasible and has the potential for exploration. Environmental issue topics should be well-defined and interesting to the researcher. The reason is that the researcher should be able to provide solutions or make suggestions on improvement strategies. You can follow the below steps when choosing environmental science topics for research:

Step 1: Identify topics that are relevant to your research context. Step 2: Develop a list of research areas by extracting critical concepts from the available literature.

Step 3: Select interesting and feasible topics by considering the methods available for analysis.

Step 4: Analyze these topics to identify the gaps in current research and formulate questions for further investigation. Step 5: Review the available literature to gain insights about the chosen topic and develop a research proposal.

Step 6: Consult experts in this field to get feedback and refine the proposed research.

Don’t have time for writing your environmental research paper? Count on StudyCrumb. Send us a ‘ write a research paper for me ’ message and get professional assistance in a timely manner. 

List of Environment Research Paper Topics

Environmental topics for a research paper can be overwhelming to navigate due to the vast number of issues you can discuss in your article. To help narrow down your research paper search, below is a list of environmental research topics that include climate change, renewable energy, ecology, pollution, sustainability, endangered species, ecosystems, nature, and water management. You can choose one of them as a guide to writing an excellent essay

Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that humanity is currently facing due to increased temperature levels. Climate change is amongst the most debated environmental research topics among researchers, policymakers, and governments. Here are critical areas related to climate change that you can use for your environmental science research paper topics:

  • Causes and effects of climate change.
  • Climate change adaptation strategies.
  • Climate change impact on rural communities.
  • Role of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change.
  • Carbon dioxide emission policies.
  • Global warming and its impact on ocean acidification.
  • Social effects of climate change.
  • Permafrost melting and its implications.
  • Role of international organizations in climate change.
  • Climate change and forest fire: examining the role of climate change on wildfire season, frequency, and burned area.

Environmental Science Research Topics on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is essential due to its potential to reduce ecological damage from burning fossil fuels and provides valuable topics in environmental science. You can use renewable energy technologies as a cleaner alternative for generating electricity and heating. In addition, renewable energy is crucial for cooling homes and factories in the world. The following are environmental science topics for research paper on renewable energy:

  • Renewable energy types, sources, and their impact on the environment.
  • Economic benefits of renewable energy.
  • Research on new technologies in renewable energy.
  • Role of renewable energy in protecting businesses from legal actions.
  • Hydropower and its role in renewable energy.
  • Chemical batteries for renewable energy storage.
  • Green microgrids in optimizing renewable energy usage.
  • Ocean energy and its effects on the environment.
  • Geothermal drilling and its consequences.
  • Biomass resources and their use in renewable energy.

Environment Research Topics on Ecology

Ecology studies how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Also, it is an important area of research for understanding how the environment affects the function of various species and ecosystems. It also gives a background for one of the best environment research paper topics. Below are topics for environmental research paper on ecology:

  • Biodiversity conservation strategies.
  • Impact of pollution on ecosystems.
  • Ecological research on saving endangered species from extinction.
  • Role of environment in migrations patterns of animals.
  • Habitat fragmentation effects on the environment.
  • Ecological implications of climate change.
  • Ecology and pest control strategies.
  • Ecological effects of deforestation.
  • Ecology and conservation of marine life.
  • Ecological consequences of urbanization.

Research Topics in Environmental Science About Pollution

Pollution is an issue at the forefront of scientific research. As one of the environmental science paper topics, it offers insights into how pollution destroys the environment and its negative impact on human and animal health. Stated below are hot environmental science research topics on pollution which you can use for your article:

  • Air pollution: causes & effects.
  • Water pollution and its consequences for people and other living organisms.
  • Issue of urban & industrial pollution.
  • Noise pollution and environment-related health risks.
  • Marine plastic pollution in oceans.
  • Radiological waste disposal policies.
  • Nuclear energy, radiation & health impacts.
  • Sustainable waste management solutions.
  • Impact of pollution on biodiversity.
  • Soil pollution and its effects on agriculture.

Environmental Topics for Research Papers on Sustainability

One of the many topics for environmental research papers is sustainability. Sustainability is an important topic to explore, as it involves finding a way for humans to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure that the environment can recover from our activities. Stated below are environmental topics for research paper on sustainability which you can explore:

  • Strategies for sustainable development.
  • Renewable energy sources and their effects.
  • Environmental sustainability and its economic benefits.
  • Sustainable energy sources and their effects.
  • Implications of sustainable agriculture on the environment.
  • Ecological impacts of sustainable forestry.
  • Social implications of renewable energy use.
  • Strategies for mitigating ecological impact from unsustainable development.
  • Psychological effects of ecological awareness on sustainable practices.
  • Influence of ecological sustainability on economic growth.

Environmental Topics to Write About Endangered Species

Endangered species are one of the environmental topics of great importance to research and find solutions for their conservation. Poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change negatively impact endangered species. Also, human activities have put other species at risk of extinction by competing for resources as well as introducing invasive species. Below is a list of cool environment topics to write about endangered species:

  • Endangered species conservation.
  • Causes & effects of habitat fragmentation.
  • Wildlife conservation strategies.
  • Climate change impacts on endangered species.
  • Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
  • Marine protected areas for conserving marine life.
  • Ecological restoration and reintroduction programs.
  • Endangered species in developing nations.
  • Human rights & animal welfare laws .
  • Captive breeding for conservation purposes.

Environmental Research Paper Topics on Ecosystems

Ecosystems are fascinating to explore in environmental paper topics because they contain a variety of living organisms and are a complex web of interactions between species, the environment, and humans. The subject provides environmental issues topics for research paper essential in exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and their importance. Below is a list of topics for environmental science research paper:

  • Ecosystem services & their value.
  • Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
  • Hydrological cycle & effects on ecosystems.
  • Ecological restoration & biodiversity conservation.
  • Invasive species & their impact on native species.
  • Biodiversity hotspots: areas of high endemism.
  • Soil degradation & its impact on ecosystems.
  • Sustainable forestry practices.
  • Ecological restoration of wetlands.

Environmental Topics About Nature

Nature is a broad topic that includes ecological conservation, protection, and sustainability issues. Environmental research topics about nature allow us to explore areas that focus on preserving and conserving the environment. Research papers about nature can provide insight into utilizing nature as a resource, both from a practical and ecological aspect. Below is a list of environment topics that you can explore in your essays:

  • Nature conservation & preservation strategies.
  • Climate change effects on natural environments.
  • Natural resource management strategies.
  • Policies for natural resources management.
  • Impact of human development on wildlands.
  • Sustainable use of natural resources.
  • Role of ethics in nature conservation.
  • De-extinction: pros & cons of bringing back extinct species.
  • Protected areas & conservation of rare species.

Environmental Issues Topics on Water Management

Water management is an issue that has a significant impact on the environment. Exploring a topic related to water management can provide experts, among others, with insights into environmental science issues and their implications. When it's time to write your project related to water management, you can explore the following topics for environmental issues:

  • Water pollution & its control.
  • Groundwater management strategies.
  • Climate change impact on water resources.
  • Integrated water resources management.
  • Wetland conservation & restoration projects.
  • Industrial effluents role in water pollution.
  • Desalination technologies for freshwater production.
  • Urbanization impact on groundwater resources.
  • Inland & coastal water management strategies.
  • Wastewater treatment & reuse technologies.

Environmental Science Topics in Different Areas

Environmental science studies ecological processes and their interactions with living organisms. Exploring environmental science related topics can provide valuable insights into environmental science issues, their ecological implications, and conservation efforts. In addition, these topics can also be explored in different areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different factors impact the environment. This section delves into various environmental science topics for projects related to law, justice, policy, economics, biology, chemistry, and health science.

Environmental Law Research Topics

Environmental law governs environmental processes and their interactions with living organisms. Delving into environmental law can uncover invaluable information on environment paper topics, ranging from legal matters and their consequences to preservation initiatives. Students can use the following environmental issue topics for research papers for their essays:

  • Climate change liability & lawsuits.
  • Strategies for conservation and protection under environmental law.
  • Consequences of non-compliance with regulations on the environment.
  • Impact of trade agreements on environment protection.
  • Regulatory strategies for hazardous waste disposal.
  • Strategies for enforcement and compliance with environment-related laws.
  • International environment treaties and their implications.
  • Effects of climate change legislation on the environment.
  • Corporate environmental policies and regulations and their effects.
  • Role of law in mitigating environment-related issues.

Environmental Justice Research Topics

Environmental justice seeks to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in ecological protection, regardless of their race, sex, or economic status. Environment topics related to justice can provide valuable insights into ecological issues and their impacts. Listed below are justice-related Environmental topics to research:

  • Implications of unequal access to resources.
  • Disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
  • Consequences of marginalization of marginalized communities from environmental processes.
  • Links between poverty and environment degradation.
  • Effects of non-participation in environment-related decision-making.
  • Policies to ensure access to clean air and water.
  • Impact of social inequality on environment protection.
  • Intersection between gender, race, and environment justice.
  • Ecological consequences of corporate negligence of marginalized communities.
  • Disproportionate implications of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

Environmental policy is a set of laws, rules, and regulations created to protect the environment as well as its resources. Studying environment-related policies provides an area for students to explore a range of subjects related to the environment, ranging from local to global. Below are potential environmental sciences research topics for your reference.

  • Environmental policy initiatives' implications on global climate change.
  • Effectiveness of carbon taxes for air pollution control.
  • Land use and development impact on the environment.
  • Water quality in the united states, focusing on natural resource governance.
  • Educational initiative's impact on public opinion and policy outcomes.
  • Social aspects of policy making and implementation on the environment.
  • Promoting sustainability from a global perspective.
  • Potential for justice initiatives in promoting equitable and effective management.
  • Rise of green economy its impact.
  • Environment policies and their potential for success.

Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics seeks to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective. Examining environmental studies topics can offer insights into ecological conservation and sustainability while connecting protection efforts with economic interests and helping inform policies. The following are creative topics about environmental science related to economics:

  • Economic impacts of regulating the environment.
  • Strategies for environmentally sustainable economic growth.
  • Consequences of non-compliance with environment-related regulations.
  • Environment conservation and protection using economic incentives.
  • Taxes and subsidies and their implications on the environment.
  • Economic implications of climate change legislation.
  • The private sector role in environment conservation and protection.
  • Green finance role in mitigating ecological issues.
  • Economics of pollution control and management.
  • Conservation and protection of the environment in the face of economic interests.

>> Learn more: Economics Research Topics

Environmental Biology Research Topics

Environmental biology is a field of science that focuses on understanding the interactions between living organisms and their environment. It covers environmental biology topics such as biodiversity, conservation, pollution, management, health, and sustainability. The following are environment research paper topics related to biology:

  • Biodiversity conservation in managing the environment.
  • Role of biotechnology in reducing air pollution.
  • Environment degradation and its consequences on wildlife.
  • Role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.
  • Ecological consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources.
  • Habitat fragmentation and its role in species conservation.
  • Education's role in environment conservation.
  • Environment degradation and its effects on food security.
  • Invasive species and their impacts on ecosystem.

Keep in mind that we have a whole blog on biological topics if you need more ideas in this field.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental chemistry research is a complex interdisciplinary field aiming to understand the behavior of a chemical process within an environment. It involves researching the impact of pollutants in the air, soil, water, and other ecological media. Possible research topics about the environment related to this field include:

  • Effect of agricultural chemicals on water systems.
  • Air pollution control strategies and their effectiveness.
  • Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Sources and implications of persistent organic pollutants.
  • Air quality monitoring for urban areas.
  • Water quality monitoring in coastal areas.
  • Characterization and fate of toxic compounds in soil and groundwater.
  • Impact of hazardous chemical waste on the environment.
  • Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.
  • The roles of environmental chemistry in climate change research.

Need more ideas? There is one more blog with  chemistry research topics  on our platform.

Environmental Health Science Research Topics

Environmental health is a diverse field focusing on the natural environment as well as its effects on human health. It is an interdisciplinary field that offers environment topics for research, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and ecology, in addition to risk assessment. Provided below is a list of topics for an environmental science project that is suitable for your research paper:

  • Air pollution effects on human health.
  • Climate change effects on health.
  • Water pollution and public health.
  • Noise pollution effects on well-being.
  • Mental health effects of environment-related toxins.
  • Human health effects of natural disasters.
  • Urbanization's effect on human health.
  • Sustainable development and public health.
  • Role of social media in promoting environmental health and awareness.
  • Biodiversity preservation and its impact on human health.

Other Ideas & Topics About Environment for Research Papers

Ecological crisis is a key issue that has continuously affected planet earth. People are becoming more aware of environmental problems as well as their impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. As such, ecological fields for research are becoming ever more critical. This section will explore interesting environmental topics related to current ecological issues, controversial, interesting topics, easy research questions for projects, as well as unique research areas which students might study. These environmental issue project ideas below will help you develop interesting fields for research papers.

Current Issues in Environmental Science

Current ecological issues are a hot topic that has become increasingly important. They provide outstanding environmental issues to write about due to their impact on the environment and human health. The following are environmental issue topics for paper writing that are currently in discussion:

  • Global warming and how to prevent its impact.
  • Sustainable energy and its role in protecting the environment.
  • Water conservation practices.
  • Renewable energy role in global ecological protection.
  • Carbon footprint and climate change.
  • Ozone layer depletion and its effects on human health.
  • Plastic pollution and its impact.
  • Land degradation and soil erosion.
  • Energy industry activities effects on ecological health.
  • Air pollution and its impact on human health.
  • Deforestation and its consequences.
  • Effect of agricultural practices on ecological health.
  • Overuse and exploitation of natural resources.
  • Industrial waste impact on health.
  • Green technology role in ecological protection.

Controversial Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Environmental controversies constitute a significant challenge facing society today. From climate change to air and water pollution, the effects of human activity on our natural environment are increasingly becoming a focus of public debate and research. Research papers on environmental controversial topics can help inform the public as well as policymakers about the potential impacts of human activities on the environment. The following are examples of environmental controversy topics for research paper:

  • Climate change: is human activity a primary cause of global warming.
  • Deforestation: are current logging practices sustainable in the long term.
  • Air pollution: what are the health impacts of air pollution.
  • Water pollution: how is water pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Geothermal energy: what potential impacts does geothermal energy extraction have on the environment.
  • Renewable energy: are wind and solar energy carbon-neutral.
  • Arctic drilling: is drilling for oil in the arctic ocean a viable option given current climate conditions.
  • Nuclear power: what health risks are associated with nuclear power plants.
  • Biodiversity loss: what steps can you take to protect biodiversity from human activities.
  • Endangered species: how protecting endangered species can impact conservation efforts and how they live.
  • GMO foods: are genetically modified organisms safe for human consumption? how does GMO food affect humans.
  • Pesticides: how does pesticide use affect our health and the environment.
  • Ocean acidification: how is ocean acidification impacting marine ecosystems.
  • Waste management: what are the most effective ways to manage waste and reduce pollution.
  • Resource exploitation: how does the exploitation of natural resources impact local communities.

Interesting Environmental Research Topics

In the context of environmental subjects, research topics explore the effects of human activities on the environment as well as the potential solutions to the identified problems. In addition to providing insight into ecological protection and conservation, research areas in this category cover social issues related to environmentalism and ecological justice. Below are interesting environmental science topics to consider when looking for a research topic in the future:

  • Effects of environment-related toxins on human health.
  • Climate change effects on coastal habitats.
  • Agricultural activities impacts on the environment.
  • Groundwater contamination and its effects on water quality.
  • Pollution from factories and its impact on the environment.
  • Waste management strategies and their impacts.
  • Consequences of water contamination on local wildlife.
  • Impacts of mining.
  • Deforestation effects on ecosystems and species diversity.
  • Industrial fishing practices effects.
  • Sustainable forestry practices and their impact on ecosystems.
  • Nuclear energy production and its consequences.
  • Reducing emissions from vehicles and their effects on air quality.
  • Landfills implications on the environment.
  • Implications of plastic pollution.

Easy Environmental Research Questions for Projects

When it comes to environmental science topics for project work, there are plenty of easy options. Research projects in this category can explore ecological issues as well as their consequences or potential solutions to these problems. The following is a list of the top fifteen most accessible environment project topics for your research project.

  • Air pollution levels impact on urban areas.
  • Agricultural practices effects on the environment.
  • Developing strategies for sustainable development.
  • Causes of water contamination.
  • Factors contributing to global warming.
  • Natural disasters effects on the environment.
  • Land use changes effects on the environment.
  • Energy consumption impacts on the environment.
  • Climate change effects on the environment.
  • Industrialization and its consequences.
  • Impact of plastic pollution.
  • Health risks associated with air pollution.
  • Deforestation impacts on the environment.
  • Soil erosion and its effects on the environment.
  • Causes and consequences of species extinction.

Unique Environmental Research Topics for Students

As environmental issues become increasingly complex, research fields for students become more varied. Unique environmental research topics for college students can range from local ecological concerns to global ones. The following are fifteen unique environmental science research topics for high school students and college students:

  • Climate change impact on water quality.
  • Acid rain and its effects.
  • Urbanization's effect on biodiversity.
  • Effects of offshore drilling.
  • Ocean acidification and its impact.
  • Impact of privatization on natural resources.
  • Effectiveness of renewable energy sources.
  • Relationship between energy consumption and the environment.
  • Potential impacts regarding genetic engineering on biodiversity.
  • Toxic waste disposal and its impacts.
  • Environment-related policies impact on water quality.
  • Deforestation and its effects on soil quality.
  • Causes and consequences of ozone layer depletion.
  • Relationship between pollution and public health issues.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Topics for Research Papers

This article has provided 235 environmental science research topics for research papers as well as project work that high school and college students can use. Topics range from local issues, such as assessing air pollution levels in an urban area, to global concerns, like examining the ecological effects of plastic pollution. Whether its health risks are associated with air pollution in an environment or the impacts of industrialization, research can help shape your understanding of how to protect as well as preserve our planet. It is up to the students to identify good environmental research topics that are interesting and relevant to them and to delve deeper to understand the earth better.

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  • AN ACCUMULATION OF CATASTROPHE: A POLITICAL ECONOMY OF WILDFIRE IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES  Dockstader, Sue ( University of Oregon , 2024-03-25 ) This dissertation is an environmental sociological study of wildland fire in what is now the western United States. It examines wildfire management from roughly the 1900s to the present time employing a Marxist historical ...
  • Managing Life's Future: Species Essentialism and Evolutionary Normativity in Conservation Policy, Practice, and Imaginaries  Maggiulli, Katrina ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) Folk essentialist and normative understandings of species are not only prevalent in popular layperson communities, but also end up undergirding United States conservation policy and practice due to the simplistic clarity ...
  • Unsettled Ecologies: Alienated Species, Indigenous Restoration, and U.S. Empire in a Time of Climate Chaos  Fink, Lisa ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) This dissertation traces environmental thinking about invasive species from Western-colonial, diasporic settlers of color, and Indigenous perspectives within U.S. settler colonialism. Considering environmental discourses ...
  • Futuremaking in a Disaster Zone: Everyday Climate Change Adaptation amongst Quechua Women in the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca  Moulton, Holly ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) Indigenous women in Peru are often labeled “triply vulnerable” to climate change due to race, gender, and economic marginalization. Despite Peru’s focus on gender, Indigeneity, and intersectionality in national adaptation ...
  • Land Acts: Land's Agency in American Literature, Law, and History from the Colonial Period to Removal  Keeler, Kyle ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-10 ) This dissertation examines land’s agency and relationships to land in the places now known as the United States as these relationships appear in literature and law from early colonization to the removal period. Land Acts ...
  • PALEOTEMPERATURE, VEGETATION CHANGE, FIRE HISTORY, AND LAKE PRODUCTIVITY FOR THE LAST 14,500 YEARS AT GOLD LAKE, PACIFIC NORTHWEST, USA  Baig, Jamila ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) The postglacial history of vegetation, wildfire, and climate in the Cascade Range (Oregon) is only partly understood. This study uses high-resolution analysis from a 13-meter, 14,500-year sediment core from Gold Lake to ...
  • On Western Juniper Climate Relations  Reis, Schyler ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Western juniper woodlands are highly sensitive to climate in terms of tree-ring growth, seedling establishment and range distribution. Understanding the dynamics of western juniper woodlands to changes in precipitation, ...
  • Stories We Tell, Stories We Eat: Mexican Foodways, Cultural Identity, and Ideological Struggle in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles  Sanchez, Bela ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Food is a biological necessity imbued with numerous social, cultural, and economic implications for identity production and everyday meaning-making. Food television is a unique medium for the meanings of food and foodways ...
  • Soil Nutrient Additions Shift Orthopteran Herbivory and Invertebrate Community Composition  Altmire, Gabriella ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Anthropogenic alterations to global pools of nitrogen and phosphorus are driving declines in plant diversity across grasslands. As such, concern over biodiversity loss has precipitated a host of studies investigating how ...
  • Multispecies Memoir: Self, Genre, and Species Justice in Contemporary Culture  Otjen, Nathaniel ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Liberal humanism articulates an individual, rational, autonomous, universal, and singularly human subject that possesses various rights and freedoms. Although the imagined subject at the heart of liberal humanist philosophy ...
  • Understanding How Changes in Disturbance Regimes and Long-Term Climate Shape Ecosystem and Landscape Structure and Function  Wright, Jamie ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Long-term and anthropic climatic change intersecting with disturbances alters ecosystem structure and function across spatiotemporal scales. Quantifying ecosystem responses can be convoluted, therefore utilizing multiproxy ...
  • Ikpíkyav (To Fix Again): Drawing From Karuk World Renewal To Contest Settler Discourses Of Vulnerability  Vinyeta, Kirsten ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) The Klamath River Basin of Northern California has historically been replete with fire-adapted ecosystems and Indigenous communities. For the Karuk Tribe, fire has been an indispensable tool for both spiritual practice and ...
  • Grassland Restoration in Heterogeneous, Changing, and Human Dominated Systems  Brambila, Alejandro ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-04 ) Ecological restoration is a powerful tool to promote biodiversity and ecosystem function. Understanding underlying system variability and directional change can help predict outcomes of restoration interventions. Spatial ...
  • Restoring What? And for Whom? Listening to Karuk Ecocultural Revitalization Practitioners and Uncovering Settler Logics in Ecological Restoration.  Worl, Sara ( University of Oregon , 2022-05-10 ) What does it mean to restore a landscape degraded by settler colonialism? How might a well intentionedprocess like ecological restoration end up causing harm from underlying settler colonial logics? This thesis explores ...
  • Instigating Communities of Solidarity: An Exploration of Participatory, Informal, Temporary Urbanisms  Meier, Briana ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) This dissertationexamines the potential for participatory, informal urbanisms to buildcollaborative relations across ontological, cultural, and political difference. This research contributes to thefield of urban, environmental ...
  • The Holy Oak School of Art and Ecology: A Proposal for Arts-Based Environmental Education Programming  Best, Krysta ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) The following is a proposal for arts-based environmental education programming in elementary schools, after-school programs, and day-camp programs, entitled the Holy School of Art and Ecology. Ecophenomenological, arts-based ...
  • Settler Colonial Listening and the Silence of Wilderness in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area  Hilgren, Bailey ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) The Boundary Waters Canoe Area soundscape in northern Minnesota has a long and contested history but is most often characterized today as a pristine and distinctly silent wilderness. This thesis traces the construction and ...
  • Species Dynamics and Restoration in Rare Serpentine Grasslands under Global Change  Hernandez, Eliza ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) Conserving rare serpentine grasslands is a challenge with ongoing nitrogen deposition. Nutrient-poor patches are fertilized by nitrogen-rich smog and exotic grasses can rapidly spread. Water resources are also being altered ...
  • Place-making and Place-taking: An Analysis of Green Gentrification in Atlanta Georgia  Okotie-Oyekan, Aimée ( University of Oregon , 2021-11-23 ) Despite the benefits of urban greenspace, Atlanta’s Westside Park is causing gentrification and displacement pressures in Grove Park, a low-income African-American community in northwest Atlanta, Georgia. This study used ...
  • Prairie Plant Responses to Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest  Reed, Paul ( University of Oregon , 2021-09-13 ) Understanding how plants respond to climate change is of paramount importance since their responses can affect ecosystem functions and patterns of biodiversity. At the population level, climate change may alter phenology ...

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Home > Environmental Studies > Student Theses 2001-2013

Student Theses 2001-2013

Student Theses 2001-2013

Theses/dissertations from 2017 2017.

The Disappearing Wetland Act: Climate Change, Development, and Protection , Jessica P. Doughty

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Centrality of Ecological Design: Achieving Sustainability in an Era of Free-Market Capitalist Framework , Eddy Andrade

A Vicious CERCLA, Or The Twilight of the Superfund , Donald Borenstein

Saving the World’s Remaining Tigers: Panthera’s Work and the Role of Non-Profits in Wildlife Conservation , John Byrne

New York City’s Water Challenges: History, Politics, and Design , Jessica Crowley

Giving Back to the Community: Addressing the Environmental Literacy Gap Through Socially and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices , David Garcia

Wasting Plates: Addressing Food Waste in the United States , Sarah Geuss

Too Pig to Fail: Considering Regulatory Solutions to the Environmental Damages Caused by Industrial Hog Farms in North Carolina , Samir Hafez

Sandy and the City: The Need for Coastal Policy Reform , Jonathan Hilburg

Drilling for Arctic Oil: Is it Worth the Risk? , Emily Kain

The Pedestrianization of New York City: An Environmental History and Critique of Urban Motorization and A Look at New York City’s New Era of Planning , Anna Kobara

Hurricane Sandy: Using Environmental History, Economics, Politics and Urban Planning to Prepare For the Next One , Julia Maguire

Our Failing Food System: Productivity Versus Sustainability , Alyson Murphy

Exploring the Drivers of CSR and Creating a Sustainable Corporate Institution: Environmental Education, Politics, and Business Practices , Eric Osuna

Composting Food Waste: A Method That Can Improve Soil Quality and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions , Gentiana Quni

Assessment of Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Conservation Awareness in the Tarangire-Manyara Ecosystem , Karianne Rivera

The Sustainable Future of the Metropolis: Greening New York City Building By Building , Lizbeth Sanchez

Trash Talk: Solid Waste Disposal in New York City , Alexander Williams

Hurricane Sandy: A Chance to Identify Vulnerabilities, Learn from the Past, and Increase Future Resiliency , Julianne Yee

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Going Green at New York-Presbyterian: Hospitals As Sustainable Businesses , Samantha Allegro

A Stronger Role For the United States President in Environmental Policy , Elizabeth Anderson

Simulating Climate Risk Into Markets and Policies: A New Approach to Financial Analysis and Policy Formation , Miguel Bantigue

Environmental Education Reform: Using Experiential Learning to Influence Environmental Policy-Making By Fostering a Sense of Environmental Citizenship and Eco-Literacy , Nicol Belletiere

Internship Report: Earthjustice & the Fracking Battle in New York's Marcellus Shale , John Byrne

Coal: How We Achieved Our Dependency and Its True Cost , Kelly Caggiano

Recycling Furniture: The Ecological, Economic and Social Benefits , Michele Calabrese

Internship Report UNEP: The Effects of Climate Change in Arctic Zones , Diana Cartaya-Acosta

Environmental Racism in South Africa: A Sustainable Green Solution , Danielle Darmofal

The Bronx, Beavers and Birthrights: The Case For Urban Wildlife , Richard Day

The Economics of Biodiversity , Paige Doyle

Environmental Communications: Case Study of New York City's Double Crested Cormorant , Marisa Galdi

Not a Walk In the Park: Environmental Justice in New York City , Lindsey Grier

The Economic and Environmental Justice Implications of Hydraulic Fracturing in 21st Century North America , Katie Medved

The Bottling Craze: Exposing the Environmental Effects of Bottled Vs. Tap Water , Michele Paccagnini

How the United States Will Find a Sustainable Future Through Increased Nuclear Productivity , Ian Pruitt

Group For the East End: The Role of Childhood Environmental Education in Improving Learning Behaviors and the Health of Humans and the Environment , Brian Riley

The Role of Modern Zoos in Wildlife Conservation: From the WCS to the Wild , John Scott

Global Climate Change Vs. Global Warming: What Is the Difference "Global Climate Change" and "Global Warming"? , Nadia Seeteram

Lost in Translation: Environmental Communication Issues in Media and Politics , Carolyn Wegemann

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

The Ins and Outs of Corporate Greenwashing , Jennifer Bender

A River Runs Through It: Community Access to the Bronx River in Tremont and Hunts Point , Matthew Bodnar

The Future is Green; Urban Agriculture in the Bronx , Patty Gouris

All in Our Backyard: Exploring how Environmental Discrimination Affects Health and Social Conditions in the South Bronx , Mireille Martineau

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The Bronx River Alliance: A Model Community Action Organization And an Internship in Development , John Hinck

Enrique Reef: Degradation and Protective Measures , Dana Mitchell

The Human Population Growth and its Ecological Consequences on Kenya and Tanzania , Lauren Noll

Environmental Consciousness: Human Motivation for Thinking Ecologically , Rob Pigue

Economics of Carbon Regulation: An Exploration to the Nuance of Carbon Regulation , Timothy J. Schwartz

New York Botanical Garden Internship: From Photography to Policy , Christine Willeford

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Environmental Health and Climate Change: The Case of Lyme Disease , Matthew Abad

Recycling Tendencies of Fordham University's Population , Jeremy Aiss, Vincent Ammirato, Anamarie Beluch, and Christopher Torres

The Business of Sustainability , Andrea Brady

Waste Mismanagement: Fighting Environmental Injustice in Mott Haven and Hunts Point , Elizabeth Friedrich

Environmental Internship & The Fordham Eco-Roof Proposal , Anthony Giovannone

The Putnam Railroad Corridor Restoration Project: A Comprehensive Plan for Paired Ecological Restoration and Greenway Construction , Patrick J. Hopkins Jr.

Land Use Policy and Development on Long Island , Richard Murdocco

From the Bronx into the Wild! My Adventurous Experience at the Bronx Zoo , Lauren Noll

For the Birds! , Robert Patterson

Managing Infestation of the Invasive Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni) at the New York Botanical Garden , Gregory Russo

Environmental History of Japan , Amy Seagroves

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

A Healthy Environment is a Healthy Body , Matthew Abad

Stormwater Runoff, Combined Sewer Overflow, and Environmental Justice in the Bronx , Natalie Collao

Solving a Crisis: Water Quality & Storm Water Infrastructure in New York City , Kelsey Ripper

The New Social Movement: Environmental Justice in the Bronx , Kelsey Ripper

Environmental Justice and Street Science: A Fusion of Community Knowledge and Environmental Health Justice to Address the Asthma Epidemic in Urban Communities , Natalie Robiou

Urban Wildlife and Leopold’s Land Ethic: “The squirrels on a college campus convey the same lesson as the redwoods. . . .” , Natalie Robiou

Unpasteurized Milk and Soft Cheese Outbreaks: An Overview of Consumer Safety , Taygan Yilmaz

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Environmental Justice Movement in the United States , Harrison Delfin

Natural River Restoration in Urban Ecology: The Bronx River , Samuel P. Loor

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

The H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus: Globalization, Climate Change, and Other Anthropogenic Factors in New Emergent Diseases , Quan Luong

The Environmental Effects of War , Philip Swintek

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Identification of Genetically Modified Organisms in Foodstuffs , Anamarie Beluch

The Moral Dilemma of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) , Anamarie Beluch

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

The History of Community Gardens in New York City: The Role of Urban Agriculture and Green Roofs in Addressing Environmental Racism , Rosamarie Ridge

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Bronx River Restoration: Report and Assessment , Teresa Crimmens

Environmental Audit of the Rose Hill Campus , Nicole Marshall, Maria Nissi, Brian Flaherty, Carl Van Ostrand, and Ian McClelland

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

Bronx River Restoration: Report and Assessment , Nicole Marshall

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Home

Environmental Science & Management

Geospatial Lab

Graduate Student Research Topics

Current students.

Ted Masters Thesis: New Wolves in a New West: Constructing Wolves and Landscapes in Wallowa County Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Kagat McQuillan Thesis: Yurok Food Resources from the Redwood Experimental Forest (REF) with an emphasis on Vaccinium parvifolium Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Francisco Chavez Thesis: Drought's lingering shadow: monitoring the recovery of sagebrush steppe plant communities after four years of experimental drought Advisor: Kerry M. Byrne, Ph.D.

Tambo Phrakonkham Thesis: Modeling Floodplain Connectivity in The Lower Eel River (Wiya’t), Humboldt County, Northern California Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Sean Fleming Thesis: Satellite-Based Phenology and Climate Anomaly Analysis in Evaluating the Response of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Tropical Forests to the 2015-2016 Drought Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Katherine Stonecypher Thesis: Diet, Growth, and Survival of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Off-Channel Restoration Projects in Humboldt Bay Tributaries Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Benjamin King Thesis: Effects of Scour and Inundation on Trinity River Aquatic Communities Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Rosa Cox Thesis: Effects of Sedimentation from Dam Removal on Klamath River Aquatic Food Webs Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Alexander Brown Thesis: Exploring community knowledge, perceptions of risk, and adaptive capacity around the uncertain future of spent nuclear fuels on Humboldt Bay, California Advisor: Jennifer Marlow, J.D.

Sean Stewart Thesis: Insights into conservation for the rare perennial herb, Astragalus applegatei Advisor: Kerry M. Byrne, Ph.D.

Jules Bartley Thesis: Physical characteristics and fine roots within duff mounds of old-growth sugar and Jeffrey pine in a fire-excluded Sierran mixed-conifer forest Advisor: Kerry M. Byrne, Ph.D.

Maddie McNerthney Thesis: Examining the impacts of beaver dam analogues and groundwater storage on Miners Creek, California Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Hannah Joss Thesis: Monitoring bull kelp (Nereocystis leutkeana) remotely at high resolutions Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Karlee Jewell Thesis: Evaluating science communication efforts and citizen scientists' knowledge of, attitude toward, and behavioral intentions related to the North American river otter Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Allison Nunes Thesis: Seed bank composition within two sagebrush communities: a comparison of drought, microsite, and aboveground community effects Advisor: Kerry M. Byrne, Ph.D.

Jordan Adair Thesis: Using UAV and traditional remote sensing data to detect vegetation vigor and monitor stream morphology in a desert riparian ecosystem Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Lucy Corro Thesis: A look at land cover classification methods in northern California with the use of high spatial resolution geospatial data Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Melissa Collin Thesis: Satellite-based phenology analysis in evaluating the response of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands' tropical forests to the 2017 hurricanes Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Holli Pruhsmeier Thesis: Building habitat suitability models to examine distribution shifts for the Black-headed Grosbeak, Hairy Woodpecker, and Yellow-rumped Warbler due to drought, fire, and bark beetle infestation in the Pacific Northwest Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Jasmine Williamshen Thesis: Response of invertebrate drift to dam-release restoration pulse flows from Lewiston Dam on the Trinity River, CA Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Imil Ferrara Thesis: A Political Ecology of Northwest California Land Communities Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Rebecca Cashero Thesis: Resilience, Place, and Collaborative Organization: A Political Ecology of Distributed Woody Biomass Energy Development in Rural California Communities Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Thomas Starkey-Owens Thesis: Daily and Season Variation in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Abundance and Species Composition on the Trinity River Below Lewiston Dam Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Katrina Nystrom Thesis: Quantifying Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenous tridentus) ammocoete habitat availability and risk associated with the summer hydrograph recession limb in Coastal Northern California Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Ethan Luckens Thesis: Modeling the flow of Hall Creek, Humboldt County, California using visualizing ecosystem land management assessments (VELMA) and calculating the channel forming flow using the effective discharge calculation Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Irene Vasquez Thesis: Evaluation of restoration techniques and management practices of tule pertaining to eco-cultural use Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Aaron Taveras Thesis: The performance of 2D and 3D tsunami evacuation maps : a case study for Seaside, Oregon Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Lara Jansen Thesis: Ecological implications of dam flow diversions on the Upper Eel River Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Monique Silva Crossman Thesis: Effects of manual and mechanical Ammophila arenaria removal techniques on coastal dune plant communities and morphology Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Dawn Albrecht Thesis: From Vulnerability to Resilience - Emergency Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Humboldt County, California Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Portia Saucedo Thesis: Multiscale habitat suitability modeling for canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) along the northern California coast Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Emily Cooper Thesis: An estimation of potential salmonid habitat capacity in the upper mainstem Eel River, California Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Leanne Lynch Thesis: Access to Recreational Open Space in Patterson, CA: A Geospatial Analysis Utilizing Geographic Information Systems Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Melissa Kimble Thesis: Mapping uncertainty for habitat Suitability models for four North American tree species Advisor: Jim Graham, Ph.D.

Claudia Voigt Thesis: Measuring Recreation Use Impacts on Old-Growth Redwoods Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Rebekah Rafferty Thesis: Rancher Adaptations to Wolf Depredation in Western Montana Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Sarah Aldinger Thesis: Rural Resilience: Local agro-ecological knowledge, sustainable agriculture and cycles of change in Hayfork, CA: An exploratory case study Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Jessica Blackwell Thesis: Does personal information and communication technology in the wilderness lead to more risk-taking in wilderness? Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Emily Ferrell Thesis: Post-Fire Pulses of Aquatic Production: Investigating the Midterm Effects of High-Severity Fire on Headwater Streams in Northwestern California Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Erin Degenstein Thesis: A Model to Predict the Future Distribution and Spread of Invasive Plants in Wilderness Areas of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, California Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Dawn Walker Thesis: Feeding our Families: A Process of Reconnecting with Food, the Earth, and Each Other Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Daniel White Thesis: Recreational Visitor Use of the Headwaters Forest Reserve Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Kelsey McDonald Thesis: Tidal Seed Dispersal Potential of Spartina densiflora in Humboldt Bay (Humboldt County, California) Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Rebekah Dickens Thesis: Ecological and social considerations in tropical forest conservation: a case study in Ecuador Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Jim Garner Thesis: Modeling Pacific fisher behavior and habitat use in the Southern Sierra Nevada Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Max Kaufman Thesis: Ecosystem service value of water supply benefits provided by forest stands in the Mattole River Watershed, California: A bioeconomic and benefit transfer & spatial analysis application. Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Alyssa Hosbach Thesis: Managing land for resilience: a comparative analysis of conservation planning and holistic management Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Flora Brain Thesis: Eating Totem Salmon: Exploring extinction and collaborative restoration in a coastal California watershed community Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Michelle Fuller Thesis: Herding Cats: Grassroots and centralized organizing in the case of California's Fire safe Councils Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Grace Sparks Thesis: Conserving Working Landscapes and Open Space: A Socio-Spatial Analysis of Private Parcels Suitable for Conservation Easements in Calaveras County, California Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Judy Sears Thesis: Building local capacity for disaster response: An assessment of community emergency response models In rural areas Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Luc Lagarde Thesis: Invasive Spartina densiflora Brongn. Reduces primary productivity in a northern California salt marsh Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Matt Mitchell Thesis: Community Structure of Terrestrial Invertebrates and Habitat Complexity Relationships in Spartina -Invaded and Restored Humboldt Bay Salt Marshes Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Iris Koski Thesis: Landscapes in Transition: Private lands oak woodland management in the Klamath-Siskiyou bioregion Advisor: Alison O’Dowd, Ph.D.

Jess Morrison Thesis: Geospatial modeling of population growth scenarios for the Humboldt Bay, California region: adapting SLEUTH to a rural environment Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Janene Michaelis Thesis: A Spatial Modeling Tool for Community Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Type II Diabetes Patient Nonadherence in Humboldt County, California. Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Jason Barnes Thesis: A socio-spatial and network analysis of entrepreneurship in Mendocino County, California Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Kihyun Kim Thesis: A comparative institutional analysis of management in urban riparian greenways: the American River Parkway (Sacramento, California) Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Emily Walters Thesis: Defining restoration goals for the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center, Manila, California based on an analysis of ecological processes in coastal dunes Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Jennifer Mayberry Thesis: Community wildfire preparedness: Balancing community safety and ecosystem sustainablitity in southern California chaparral Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Haley West Thesis: Home gardens of Humboldt County, California: exploring the politics of knowledge, reciprocity and community Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Mark Douglas Thesis: Yosemite Wilderness Visitor Travel Patterns -- Implications for Trailhead Permit Quotas Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Nicolas Ramirez Thesis: Modeling Ecotoxicological Stressors Using GIS Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Kristen Pope Thesis: Visitor Perceptions of Wilderness Rescue Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Dan Shyrock Thesis: Ecological Conditions and Monitoring Standards for Meadows in the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness Areas, CA. Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Lenya Quinn Davidson Thesis: Prescribed fire: Influences on community support and Management activities in Northern California Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Cybelle Immitt Thesis: The potential of community action plans to promote economic revitalization through rural county planning Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Abbey Stockwell Thesis: Analysis of barriers to low impact development in the North Coast Redwood Region, California Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Brian R. Davenhall Thesis: Spatial Interpolation: A simulated analysis of the effects of sampling strategy on interpolation method Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Lisa Spadoni Thesis: The effectiveness of land use planning on the preservation of open space in five rural, high amenity communities in the Rocky Mountains Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Max Korten Thesis: Developing Quantitative Indicators and Standards for Solitude on the Lost Coast Trail Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Whelan Gilkerson Thesis: A spatial model of eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitat in Humboldt Bay, California Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Ian McGovern Thesis: Using Multiple Resolution Digital Images and GIS to determine vegetation sampling locations at Whiskeytown National Recreational Area Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Ben Letton Thesis: Hazardous fuel mapping and thematic accuracy assessment in the wildland urban interface Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

John Letton Thesis: Community Based Hazardous Fuel Mapping and Accuracy Assessment Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Zach Jarrett Thesis: Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory and Recreation Visitor Satisfaction Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Thomas Kirk Thesis: Landscape-scale habitat associations of the American marten in the greater Southern Cascades region of California Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Jennifer Kauffman Thesis: Development and application of a GIS based evaluation for prioritization of wetland restoration opportunities Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Rebecca Degagne Thesis: Examining the distribution of Dicymbe corymbosa monodominant forests in western Guyana using satellite imagery Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Kate McCurdy Thesis: Attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about bear resistant food canister use among wilderness users in Yosemite National Park Advisor: Steven R. Martin, Ph.D.

Linda M. Miller Thesis: Evaluation of low-altitude vertical aerial videography as a method for identifying and estimating abundance of residual trees Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Chaeli Judd Thesis: Mapping Aquatic Vegetation: Using Bathymetric & Hyperspectral Imagery to Classify Submerged Eelgrass in Humboldt Bay, California Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Jennifer Taylor Thesis: Effectiveness of Hands-On Learning in a Children's Interpretive Program Advisor: Carolyn J. Ward, Ph.D.

Kari Jensen Thesis: Effects of the Artistic Design of Interpretive Signage on Attracting Power, Holding Time and Memory Recall Advisor: Carolyn J. Ward, Ph.D.

Brook R. Edwards Thesis: Historical assessment of the ecological condition and channel dynamics of the lower Mokelumne River : 1910-2001 Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Matthew Perry Thesis: Design and Evaluation of a Web Mapping Service for the Klamath River Basin Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Jolie Lonner Thesis: Determining the Sustainable Harvest of Oregon Grape (Berberis nervosa) Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Patty Clifford Thesis: Integrating logistic regression and GIS to predict the distribution of Petasites frigidus in the Klamath Mountain subregion, C Advisor: Yvonne Everett, Ph.D.

Jeff Marsolais Thesis: Visitor Perceptions of Management Actions Across the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

William D. Ritts Thesis: A quantitative risk assessment of Port Orford cedar root disease in the Smith River National Recreation Area. Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Michael D. Hass Thesis: A Klamath River fisheries restoration webGIS Advisor: Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP

Program Overview

Environmental Science & Management 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521 Phone: (707) 826-4147 [email protected]

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Top 100 Environmental Science Project Topics

image

Table of contents

  • 1 Climate Change
  • 2 Renewable Energy
  • 3 Urban Ecology
  • 4 Land and Water Use
  • 5 Pollution
  • 6 Environmental Science Topics for College Students
  • 7 Energy Resources and Consumption
  • 8 Population
  • 9 Noise and Light Pollution
  • 10.1 Conclusion

With the environment and global warming in its current predicament, it’s no surprise that environmental science job opportunities will be on the rise in the very near future.

With the environment and global warming in its current predicament, it’s no surprise that environmental science job opportunities will be on the rise in the very near future. Therefore, so are the numbers of students pursuing studies in this field. The last four decades have seen huge changes in the rate of global warming and so more than ever before, we need people to study topics in environmental science.

For anyone majoring in environmental science, anyone needing to write  environmental studies project topics for a science course, or essay writer who is working on topical essays this comprehensive article will talk you through the top ten project topics to pursue. For each project topic, we’ll give you ten ideas.

Climate Change

There’ll always be an environment, but it’s looking more and more likely that it won’t be like our current one in the future. With this in mind, here are the top ten environmental project topics for college students on climate change:

  • Is global warming a natural phenomenon?
  • The politicization of global warming.
  • How do eddy covariance towers work?
  • Planetary tilt – does it affect global warming?
  • The differences between climate change and the greenhouse effect.
  • Why is carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas?
  • How do changes to weather patterns affect the Earth’s climate?
  • The concept of polar amplification.
  • The barriers to climate change responses.
  • The “heat island” effect.

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Renewable Energy

Our advances through the industrial revolution and the use of fossil fuels are now coming back to bite us. Here are ten environmental topics for project on renewable energy:

  • The pros and cons of hydropower.
  • Solar energy and pollution.
  • Solar energy to help the economy.
  • Geothermal energy: an unlikely major energy source?
  • The problems caused by renewable energies.
  • Understanding geothermal energy.
  • Are hydrogen fuel cells a viable alternative?
  • The advantages and disadvantages of solar power.
  • Transporting geothermal energy: a study.
  • The challenges of large-scale biomass energy use.

Urban Ecology

Urban ecology is an important consideration for environmental science projects for college students who are eager to pay for essay to receive high grades for assignments. When we study the environment, we tend to think of green spaces and rural lands, but urban ecology is important too. As such, here are ten environmental science project ideas on this topic:

  • How do unequal urban planning and greenspace distribution affect temperatures in a city?
  • How does urbanization affect surrounding rural areas?
  • How is the local climate affected by buildings and pavements?
  • What is the urban heat island effect?
  • How are water sources affected by urbanization?
  • How has human development affected our green spaces?
  • How is social identity linked to urbanization?
  • What impact does transport have on rural locations?
  • How can the natural environment be integrated into urban planning and design projects?
  • What is water harvesting?

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Land and Water Use

When humans use natural resources, they also disrupt natural ecosystems. This is an important area of study as we try to claw back and save some of the world’s resources from being entirely depleted. Here are ten interesting  environment related topics for project on this subject:

  • How have overfishing and non-sustainable fishing methods affected our oceans?
  • How does using water for irrigation affect natural ecosystems?
  • The impacts of different societies’ ecological footprints in terms of waste production and resource demands.
  • How can we mitigate deforestation?
  • An analysis of The Green Revolution.
  • The impact of salt application to streams.
  • How does using an ANN (artificial neural network) for rainfall-runoff affect ecosystems?
  • How do land-use changes impact urban runoff?
  • Relationships between water quality, land use and land use change.
  • Land use effects on lake water quality.

Pollution is one of the planet and humanity’s worst enemies. Agriculture, transportation, and industry can cause horrific environmental catastrophes. Check out the possible environment science project topics on pollution:

  • The impact of pollution on health care.
  • The effects of environmental pollution and water pollution on marine life.
  • The effects of air pollution on the food chain.
  • How environmental pollution affects Arctic.
  • The health hazards associated with waste accumulation and water pollution.
  • How do human activities change the world’s oceans?
  • Conservation and how it helps to reduce air pollution.
  • The difficulty of establishing direct links between health problems, air pollution, and air quality.
  • Environmental policy regarding air pollution and acid rain.
  • The effect of acid rain in urban and natural areas.

Environmental Science Topics for College Students

Environmental studies at college is all about studying in-depth biological, chemical, and physical processes on Earth. Environmental sciences also incorporates social, cultural, and political processes that have an impact. When studying Environmental Science at college level, a project need to seek out ways to present complex relationships in a simple way. Here are some ideal environmental science projects for college students:

  • Genetically Modified (GM) foods and their impact on the environment.
  • The global impact of radiation and nuclear accidents.
  • The role of the UNEP in environmental conservation.
  • The impact of freak weather incidents.
  • Micro-plastics in drinking water – why and how have they got there?
  • The Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings – what have we learned about nuclear bombs and the effects on the ecosystem?
  • The impact of Coronavirus and maintaining the ecosystem.
  • The role of the media in conservation campaigns.
  • Tourism and the impact of human activities on a local and global level.
  • How has the US departure from the Paris Climate Agreement changed things?

Energy Resources and Consumption

Lots of  environmental studies project topics goes into looking at energy resources and consumption, which makes this a great project topic. There is already a lot of information out there, which makes this easy to research.

  • What is the relationship between energy efficiency and energy conservation?
  • What are the economic, social, and environmental costs of solar energy?
  • Was coal pivotal in industrialization?
  • The impact of fracking on the environment.
  • Compare and contrast the processes of extracting oil and mining coal.
  • How is ethanol produced as a biofuel?
  • Nuclear energy is a viable clean energy. Discuss.
  • The environmental effects of a nuclear conflict explored.
  • What is plant biomass?
  • The challenges of converting to large-scale biomass energy.

You can't write a list environment project topics  about environmental science, without mentioning population, environmental health, and the changes we've seen over the years. A lot of environment research focuses on population and its effects. Here are some ideas:

  • Population growth and its effects on GDP.
  • Factors that control population growth and the effect of density.
  • An exploration of population momentum.
  • The importance of studying population ecology.
  • The effect of human migration on populations.
  • The effects of overpopulation.
  • The effects of global warming on the global population.
  • Is sustainable development possible in a growing population?
  • What would happen if the demand for natural resources became greater than the supply?
  • How serious is the world population explosion?

Noise and Light Pollution

Though lots of people don’t consider light and noise as pollutants, the reality is that they are. Noise levels and light levels can affect organisms. Here are some interesting topics for science projects on noise and light pollution:

  • How is local wildlife affected by airport noise?
  • What happens if orcas aren’t able to use echolocation due to freight noise?
  • Migrating birds and the confusion from bright lights.
  • The effect of bright lights in resorts and sea turtles emerging from nests.
  • How bright city lights affect nocturnal animals.
  • The disruption of nocturnal activity in frogs and toads due to artificial light glare.
  • Artificial lights and the effects on migratory birds.
  • Light pollution and the effects on plants.
  • Changes in animal behavior due to noise pollution.
  • Noise pollution and the effects on mating frogs.

Conservation Biology

With as many as 2,000 species becoming extinct each year, we’re experiencing a serious problem. Conservation biology is a huge topic of interest when you need to " write my essay " and want to succeed with this task. Here are some ideas for exploration:

  • How has human behavior ramped up endangered species extinction rates?
  • How do humans threaten endangered species?
  • What will the effects of a loss in biodiversity be for humans?
  • If honeybees become extinct, what other changes would we see?
  • Why is the decline in pollinating insects so dangerous?
  • What happens if we lose endangered species?
  • What is the Holocene extinction event?
  • The collapse of the world’s coral reef ecosystems.
  • The threat of acidification in our oceans.
  • How can environmental policy help threats to biodiversity?

It's clear to say that there is a huge variety in topics in environmental science. For anyone looking for an environmental science project topic, we hope this extensive list has helped narrow down your ideas. Whether you're looking for environmental research topics for college students or high school, there is something for everyone here.

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environmental topics for thesis

Department of Environmental Conservation

UMass Amherst | College of Natural Sciences | School of Earth and Sustainability

Theses and Dissertations

Home / Research & Extension / Theses and Dissertations

environmental topics for thesis

This is a list of the most recent theses and dissertations from ECO students. These lists are automatically created through the UMass Scholarworks  system. To have your publication included, submit it to Scholarworks.

Master’s Theses – Environmental Conservation:

Late-successional forests provide a unique opportunity to explore adaptive management approaches […]

Acoustic telemetry is an important tool when studying the spatial ecology of marine animals. First, […]

Sleeper populations are established populations of a non-native species whose population growth is […]

Land use/land cover (LULC) plays a vital role in the provision of ecosystem services. Changing […]

Water is a fundamental human right supporting life, health, and livelihoods. Yet water-related […]

More…

  • Forest Resources (before ECO grad program)
  • Wildlife & Fisheries (before ECO grad program)

Dissertations – Environmental Conservation:

Wind energy facilitates have expanded significantly in the United States over the last few decades […]

This dissertation research focuses on the population ecology of the northern diamondback terrapin […]

Interoperability and Integration of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy […]

The brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa) is a freshwater mussel (Order: Unionida) native to […]

This dissertation research focuses on the ecology of the Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus […]

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environmental topics for thesis

  • Articles , Special Edition Articles , Thesis

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning

  • February 10, 2023
  • Environmental planning , Landscape architecture , Urban design thesis , urban research

Environmental Planning

Environmental planning is a process that considers the impact of human activities on the environment and seeks to minimize harm and promote sustainability. The goal of environmental planning is to balance economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure that current and future generations can enjoy a healthy and thriving environment.

This type of planning involves identifying potential environmental impacts of various activities, such as land development, infrastructure construction, resource extraction, and transportation projects. It also involves developing strategies to mitigate these impacts and enhance environmental quality. This can involve everything from preserving and restoring natural habitats, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to promoting sustainable land use practices.

Masters of Environmental Planning:

A Master’s in Environmental Planning (MEP) is a graduate degree program that focuses on the study of environmental policy and planning practices. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to understand, analyze and address the complex environmental issues facing society.

Students in the MEP program have the opportunity to learn about the latest theories, practices, and tools for addressing environmental problems and developing sustainable solutions. They learn to analyze data, develop policy recommendations, and communicate their ideas effectively to various stakeholders.

The MEP program also provides students with hands-on experience in environmental planning through internships, capstone projects, and other experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in a variety of roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including environmental planning, policy analysis, and management.

The MEP degree is well-suited for individuals who are passionate about the environment and are interested in making a positive impact on the world. Graduates of the program can be found working in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, private consulting firms, and universities.

Masters of Environmental PlanningThesis:

A thesis is an important component of a Master’s in Environmental Planning (MEP) program, as it allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem. The thesis typically involves original research and is a chance for students to contribute new knowledge to the field of environmental planning.

UDL Thesis Publication 2024

Curating the best thesis Globally !

Environmental Planning Thesis Topics List:

  • Green Infrastructure Planning for Resilient Cities
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Climate Adaptation
  • Sustainable Land Use Planning: An Evaluation of Best Practices
  • The Importance of Biodiversity in Environmental Planning
  • Climate Change and Environmental Planning: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
  • The Impacts of Urbanization on Natural Ecosystems and the role of Environmental Planning
  • The Integration of Renewable Energy in Environmental Planning
  • Environmental Planning for Coastal Zones and Sea Level Rise
  • The role of Environmental Planning in Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture and Environmental Planning

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning 1

  • Urban Food Systems and Environmental Planning
  • The Importance of Environmental Justice in Environmental Planning
  • Environmental Planning for Water Management and Scarcity
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Air Quality Management
  • Environmental Planning for Eco-Tourism and Protected Areas
  • Environmental Planning for Renewable Energy Generation
  • Environmental Planning for Mitigating the Impacts of Natural Disasters
  • The Importance of Public Participation in Environmental Planning
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Transportation
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Forest Management

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning 3

  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Energy Use
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Sustainable Land Management
  • Environmental Planning for Climate Resilient Infrastructure
  • The role of Environmental Planning in Sustainable Tourism
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use
  • The Importance of Environmental Planning in Soil and Water Conservation
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Development Goals
  • The role of Environmental Planning in Sustainable Land Use Planning
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Coastal Zone Management
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Water Resource Management
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Forest Landscapes
  • The Importance of Environmental Planning in Biodiversity Conservation
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Energy Systems
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Environmental Risk Assessment and Management.

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning 5

  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Urban Development
  • The role of Environmental Planning in Hazardous Waste Management
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Environmental Planning for the Protection of Endangered Species
  • The Integration of Renewable Energy into Environmental Planning
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Energy Management
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Ecosystem Services Management
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Resource Management
  • The Role of Environmental Planning in Managing Biodiversity Loss
  • Environmental Planning for Water Conservation and Management
  • The role of Environmental Planning in Carbon Sequestration
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Forest Management
  • The Importance of Environmental Planning in Wildlife Conservation
  • Environmental Planning for Sustainable Transport System

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning 7

UDL Thesis Publication 2023

50 Best Thesis Topics for Environmental Planning 9

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Home > College of Public Health > Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health > Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations: Environmental Health, Occupational Health, and Toxicology

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Nitrous Oxide Exposure in the Workplace: A Study of Pediatric Dental Clinics in Saudi Arabia , Badr Alhemayyed

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Grip Characterization of Protective Gloves , Doris Burns

A systematic literature review of the prevalence, distribution, exposure, and human health risks of tire microplastics and the contribution of their physicochemically diverse properties , Luke Glastad

Hepatocyte-Hepatic Stellate Cell Axis in Potentiation of Alcohol and HIV-Induced Liver Injury , Moses O. New-Aaron

Agrichemicals (Nitrate and Atrazine) In Drinking Water and Adverse Health Outcomes in Children in Nebraska , Balkissa S. Ouattara

Environmental exposures and human health challenges: Evidence-based insights from health surveillance systems , Jagadeesh Puvvula

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Investigation of Environmental Lead Exposures in Children at A Midwestern City with Superfund Site , Zijian Qin

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Modulation of Estrogen Metabolism and Prevention of Pathologies , Bodhisattwa Mondal

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Hearing Loss and Hearing Protection Use Among Midwestern Farmers , Josie J. Ehlers

An Assessment of Preparations Made in the United States for Highly Hazardous Communicable Diseases Following the 2014-2016 Ebola Virus Disease Epidemic , Jocelyn J. Herstein

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Organizational Effects of Defeminizing Toxicants: Lessons Learned From an Environmental Sentinel Organism, The Fathead Minnow. , Jonathan Ali

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Aldehyde Adducts and Lung Injury , Muna Sapkota

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Postural Responses to Perturbations of the Vestibular System During Walking in Healthy Young and Older Adults , Jung Hung Chien

Risk factors for agricultural injury : an evaluation using systematic review and injury surveillance , Rohan Mahadeo Jadhav

Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury: An Evaluation Using Systematic Review and Injury Surveillance , Rohan Mahadeo Jadhav

Occupational exposure to isoflurane anesthetic gas in the research environment , Andrea R. Mulvenon

Community, environmental, and occupational health risks associated with fossil fuel energy production , Mark A. Shepherd

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Functional and proteomic study of KIAA1199 in breast cancer , Hong Peng

Characterization of 3-Dehydroquinate Dehydratase from Francisella tularensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Scott Reiling

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Perception and production of complex movement variability , Joshua Lewis Haworth

Quantifying stride-to-stride fluctuations in amputee gait: implications for improved rehabilitation , Shane R. Wurdeman

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release by human lung fibroblasts through TGF-beta/Smad3 pathway , Maha Farid

Quantitative proteomics and its application in studying the functions of microrna-155 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma , Xin Huang

Biomarkers for organophosphorus agent exposure , Wei Jiang

Exposure to tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate as a possible explanation of aerotoxic syndrome , Mariya Sergeyevna Liyasova

Reducing the impact of distraction using augmented feedback on robot-assisted surgical skills training , Irene H. Suh

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Protein drug delivery using block ionomer complexes , Andrea Rose Mulvenon

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) on the chemosensitivity of mantle cell lymphoma to agents that induce DNA strand breaks , Radha M. Golla

Evaluation of the mode of action and human relevance of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma agonist-induced hemangiosarcomas in mice , Satoko Kakiuchi-Kiyota

Reaction of human albumin with aspirin in vitro : mass spectrometric identification of acetylated amino acids , Mariya Sergeyevna Liyasova

Risk of non-hodgkin lymphoma and drinking water contaminants in Nebraska : atrazine and nitrate , Martha Grace Rhoades

Endocrine disruption in agriculturally-intense Nebraska watersheds , Marlo K. Sellin

Association of estrogen metabolism and risk of breast or prostate cancer or non-hodgkin lymphoma : detection of novel biomarkers from case-control studies , Li Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

The XRCC1 Arg399GIn polymorphism in breast cancer , Mohamed Fouad Irbrahim Ali

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Critical role of estrogen metabolizing enzymes in breast cancer initiation via a direct genotoxic mechanism , Fang Lu

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Environmental Law Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing Service

This page presents a comprehensive collection of environmental law research paper topics , tailored for students studying law and interested in exploring the complexities of environmental issues. Environmental law is a vital field that addresses the legal aspects of protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable practices, and regulating human activities that impact the planet. From climate change and biodiversity conservation to environmental policies and international treaties, students will find a wealth of thought-provoking topics to delve into. Whether you are passionate about environmental advocacy or seeking to understand the legal implications of environmental challenges, this page is a valuable resource to expand your knowledge and refine your research skills.

100 Environmental Law Research Paper Topics

Environmental law encompasses a wide array of legal issues related to the protection and preservation of our planet’s natural resources and ecosystems. This comprehensive list of environmental law research paper topics is designed to inspire students and researchers alike to explore the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of environmental law. The topics are organized into ten distinct categories, each focusing on different aspects of environmental law and its significance in shaping environmental policies and practices.

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Environmental Policy and Regulation

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of environmental policies in achieving sustainability goals.
  • Analyzing the role of government regulations in addressing environmental challenges.
  • The impact of international environmental agreements on global conservation efforts.
  • Legal frameworks for addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.
  • The role of public participation in shaping environmental policies and decision-making.
  • The legal implications of environmental impact assessments in policy formulation.
  • Balancing economic interests and environmental protection in policy development.
  • The role of judicial review in upholding or challenging environmental policies.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of market-based approaches in environmental regulation.
  • The impact of political ideologies on environmental policy formulation.

Biodiversity and Wildlife Protection

  • The legal implications of conserving endangered species and habitats.
  • Analyzing the role of wildlife protection laws in combating illegal trafficking and poaching.
  • Legal challenges in balancing human development with wildlife conservation.
  • The impact of habitat destruction on biodiversity and legal measures for preservation.
  • The role of international treaties in promoting cross-border wildlife protection.
  • The legal aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and reintroduction programs.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of protected areas in biodiversity conservation.
  • Legal challenges in addressing invasive species and their impact on ecosystems.
  • The role of private landowners in wildlife conservation efforts.
  • The intersection of indigenous rights and wildlife protection.

Pollution Control and Remediation

  • The legal framework for regulating air and water pollution.
  • Analyzing liability and compensation mechanisms for environmental damages.
  • Legal challenges in hazardous waste management and cleanup.
  • The role of environmental impact assessments in pollution prevention.
  • The legal implications of emerging contaminants and their regulation.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of pollution trading and offset programs.
  • Legal challenges in addressing plastic pollution and marine litter.
  • The role of corporate environmental liability in pollution prevention.
  • Analyzing the impact of industrial pollution on public health and communities.
  • The legal aspects of noise pollution and its regulation.

Water Resource Management and Conservation

  • Legal considerations in managing and allocating water resources.
  • Analyzing the impact of water pollution on ecosystems and public health.
  • Legal challenges in protecting and restoring aquatic habitats.
  • The role of water rights and agreements in transboundary water management.
  • The legal implications of water scarcity and drought management.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of water conservation and efficiency measures.
  • Legal challenges in addressing groundwater contamination and depletion.
  • The role of ecosystem-based approaches in water resource management.
  • The legal aspects of water privatization and its implications for access and equity.
  • The intersection of water law and indigenous water rights.

Land Use and Sustainable Development

  • The legal framework for sustainable land use planning and urban development.
  • Analyzing the impact of mining and extraction industries on the environment.
  • Legal challenges in regulating deforestation and promoting reforestation.
  • The role of property rights in promoting conservation and sustainable land practices.
  • The legal implications of land use conflicts and dispute resolution.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of land conservation easements in sustainable development.
  • Legal challenges in balancing agriculture and conservation on agricultural lands.
  • The role of zoning laws and land use ordinances in urban planning.
  • The legal aspects of land restoration and brownfield redevelopment.
  • The impact of climate change on land use and legal responses for adaptation.

Energy Law and Climate Policy

  • Analyzing the legal aspects of renewable energy development and integration.
  • The role of international agreements in promoting sustainable energy practices.
  • Legal challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon energy economy.
  • The impact of energy regulation on achieving climate change goals.
  • The legal implications of energy subsidies and their impact on sustainable energy.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage technologies.
  • Legal challenges in promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures.
  • The role of energy law in promoting decentralized and distributed energy systems.
  • The legal aspects of energy infrastructure development and environmental concerns.
  • The intersection of energy law and indigenous rights in energy development.

Environmental Justice and Human Rights

  • The legal implications of environmental discrimination and equitable access to resources.
  • Analyzing the role of human rights in environmental protection and advocacy.
  • Legal challenges in seeking remedies for environmental harm and social injustices.
  • The intersection of environmental justice and indigenous rights.
  • The role of environmental litigation in advancing environmental justice.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of public interest litigation in environmental cases.
  • Legal challenges in addressing environmental racism and marginalized communities.
  • The role of environmental ombudsmen and their impact on justice and accountability.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of community-based environmental monitoring and advocacy.
  • The legal aspects of citizen engagement in environmental decision-making.

Climate Change Law and Adaptation

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of climate change adaptation policies and strategies.
  • Analyzing the legal implications of carbon pricing mechanisms and emissions trading.
  • Legal challenges in implementing climate change agreements and commitments.
  • The role of litigation in holding governments and corporations accountable for climate actions.
  • The legal aspects of climate-induced migration and displacement.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of climate adaptation finance and funding mechanisms.
  • Legal challenges in promoting nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation.
  • The role of climate law in integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning.
  • The legal implications of climate engineering and geoengineering technologies.
  • The impact of climate change on indigenous rights and legal responses for adaptation.

International Environmental Law and Governance

  • Analyzing the role of international organizations in environmental governance.
  • Legal challenges in enforcing global environmental treaties and agreements.
  • The impact of climate change litigation on international law and policy.
  • The role of soft law in shaping international environmental norms.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of international dispute resolution mechanisms in environmental cases.
  • Legal challenges in addressing environmental crimes and transnational environmental harms.
  • The role of corporate social responsibility in international environmental governance.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of international environmental impact assessments for development projects.
  • The legal aspects of trade and environmental protection in international law.
  • The intersection of human rights and international environmental law.

Emerging Issues in Environmental Law

  • Legal challenges in regulating emerging technologies and their environmental impact.
  • The role of legal frameworks in promoting circular economy practices.
  • Analyzing the legal implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering on the environment.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on environmental decision-making.
  • Legal challenges in addressing e-waste and electronic waste management.
  • The role of environmental law in governing nanotechnology applications.
  • Analyzing the legal aspects of ocean governance and marine conservation.
  • Legal challenges in addressing space debris and its impact on the environment.
  • The impact of legal principles on sustainable development in the digital era.
  • The legal aspects of protecting biodiversity in the face of emerging threats.

This comprehensive list of environmental law research paper topics provides a diverse and thought-provoking selection of themes to explore, offering valuable insights into the complex relationship between legal frameworks and environmental issues. Whether you are a student embarking on your research journey or a seasoned scholar seeking new avenues of inquiry, these topics are designed to stimulate critical thinking and foster a deeper understanding of the intricate world of environmental law.

Environmental Law: Exploring the Range of Research Paper Topics

Environmental law is a dynamic and evolving field that encompasses a wide range of legal issues concerning the protection, conservation, and management of the environment. As global concerns about climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss continue to grow, environmental law plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and shaping policies that promote sustainability. This section delves into the vast array of research paper topics within environmental law, highlighting key areas of interest and discussing the significance of exploring these subjects to address pressing environmental issues.

Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies

One of the most pressing issues in environmental law is climate change, and researchers have a plethora of topics to explore in this domain. Some potential research paper topics include the legal framework for international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, the role of governments and corporations in climate change mitigation, the impact of climate litigation on policy formulation, and the legal challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Biodiversity Conservation and Wildlife Protection

Preserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife are essential aspects of environmental law. Researchers can delve into topics such as the legal framework for wildlife protection, the role of national parks and protected areas in biodiversity conservation, the impact of illegal wildlife trafficking on ecosystems, and the legal challenges in regulating bioprospecting and genetic resource exploitation.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Regulation

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are crucial tools for evaluating the potential environmental consequences of development projects. Research papers can focus on the effectiveness of EIAs in different countries, the role of public participation in the EIA process, the legal aspects of strategic environmental assessment, and the challenges in regulating emerging technologies through EIAs.

Pollution Control and Waste Management

Pollution is a significant environmental concern, and environmental law plays a pivotal role in regulating and mitigating its impacts. Researchers can explore topics such as the legal framework for air and water pollution control, the role of liability and compensation in environmental damage cases, the challenges in regulating electronic waste and plastic pollution, and the legal aspects of hazardous waste management.

Natural Resource Management and Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources is critical for the long-term health of the environment. Research papers can delve into topics such as the legal framework for sustainable forestry and fisheries management, the role of indigenous and local communities in natural resource conservation, the legal challenges in water resource management, and the impact of land use planning on biodiversity conservation.

Environmental Justice and Equity

Environmental law intersects with social justice and equity issues, as certain communities may bear a disproportionate burden of environmental harm. Researchers can explore topics such as environmental racism and its legal implications, the role of environmental impact assessments in addressing environmental justice, the legal challenges in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for marginalized communities, and the impact of climate change on human rights.

Renewable Energy and Green Technology

The transition to renewable energy sources and green technologies is a critical aspect of addressing climate change. Research papers can focus on topics such as the legal framework for promoting renewable energy projects, the role of intellectual property rights in green technology innovation, the challenges in regulating offshore wind energy, and the legal aspects of carbon capture and storage.

Environmental issues transcend national boundaries, necessitating international cooperation and governance. Researchers can delve into topics such as the legal framework for transboundary pollution control, the role of international organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme, the challenges in enforcing international environmental treaties, and the impact of trade agreements on environmental protection.

Corporate Environmental Responsibility

Corporations play a significant role in environmental impact, and environmental law seeks to regulate their activities responsibly. Research papers can explore topics such as the legal framework for corporate environmental reporting, the role of sustainability certifications and eco-labeling, the challenges in holding corporations accountable for environmental harm, and the impact of green finance initiatives on corporate behavior.

Land Use Planning and Urban Environmental Law

Land use planning and urban development have a profound impact on the environment and human well-being. Researchers can focus on topics such as the legal aspects of urban planning for sustainable cities, the role of environmental zoning and conservation easements in land use regulation, the challenges in balancing urban development with environmental conservation, and the legal implications of green infrastructure projects.

The field of environmental law offers a vast and diverse range of research paper topics, each contributing to a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and the legal mechanisms to address them. From climate change to biodiversity conservation, pollution control to renewable energy, environmental law provides an avenue for researchers to explore innovative solutions and policy frameworks that safeguard the planet’s future. By delving into these research topics, students can make valuable contributions to environmental protection and contribute to a sustainable and resilient world.

How to Choose Environmental Law Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right research paper topic is crucial for a successful and fulfilling academic journey. When it comes to environmental law, selecting a relevant and engaging research topic is not only essential for earning good grades but also for making a meaningful contribution to the field. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the process of choosing environmental law research paper topics that align with your interests, academic goals, and the current environmental challenges:

  • Identify Your Passion and Interests : Passion is the driving force behind exceptional research. Begin by reflecting on the aspects of environmental law that pique your interest the most. Consider whether you are more intrigued by climate change, wildlife conservation, pollution control, or any other specific area within environmental law. Identifying your passion will make the research process more enjoyable and motivate you to delve deeper into the topic.
  • Stay Updated with Current Environmental Issues : Environmental law is constantly evolving to address new challenges and emerging issues. Keep yourself informed about the latest environmental developments, global climate conferences, landmark legal cases, and policy changes. Staying up-to-date with current environmental issues will help you identify relevant and timely research topics that have real-world implications.
  • Consider the Practical Implications : An essential aspect of environmental law research is understanding how legal frameworks translate into practical applications. Evaluate how your chosen topic impacts communities, industries, ecosystems, and global sustainability efforts. Research topics that have tangible and practical implications are likely to generate greater interest and contribute to meaningful discussions.
  • Review Previous Research : Before finalizing your research topic, conduct a thorough literature review of existing studies in environmental law. Analyze the gaps in the literature and identify areas that require further exploration. Building upon existing research can provide a solid foundation for your own work and ensure its relevance in the field.
  • Seek Guidance from Professors and Experts : Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors, advisors, or other experts in environmental law. They can offer valuable insights, suggest potential research topics, and help you refine your ideas. Engaging in discussions with knowledgeable individuals can lead to fresh perspectives and help you choose a research topic aligned with current academic interests.
  • Balance Complexity and Feasibility : While it’s essential to select a research topic that challenges you intellectually, be mindful of the practical constraints of your project. Ensure that the research topic is feasible within the given time frame and resources. Striking a balance between complexity and feasibility will lead to a well-executed and comprehensive research paper.
  • Consider Comparative Studies : Comparative studies in environmental law allow you to analyze legal frameworks and their effectiveness in different countries or regions. Investigating how various jurisdictions address similar environmental issues can provide valuable insights and open doors for cross-cultural learning.
  • Emphasize Interdisciplinary Approaches : Environmental law is inherently interdisciplinary, encompassing elements of science, economics, policy, and ethics. Consider topics that allow you to explore these interdisciplinary connections. For instance, you can investigate the economic impact of environmental regulations, the ethical implications of wildlife conservation policies, or the scientific basis for climate change mitigation strategies.
  • Evaluate the Policy Implications : Environmental law research often has a policy-oriented focus. Analyze how your chosen research topic aligns with existing policies or how it can influence policy formulation. Understanding the policy implications of your research will add practical significance to your work.
  • Brainstorm and Refine : Take the time to brainstorm multiple research ideas and then refine them gradually. Discuss your potential topics with peers and instructors to get feedback and suggestions. The iterative process of brainstorming and refining will lead you to a well-defined and compelling research paper topic.

Selecting an environmental law research paper topic is an important and exciting step in your academic journey. By identifying your passion, staying updated with current environmental issues, considering practical implications, and seeking guidance from experts, you can choose a research topic that not only interests you but also contributes meaningfully to the field of environmental law. Remember to balance complexity and feasibility, explore interdisciplinary connections, and evaluate the policy implications of your chosen topic. With thoughtful consideration and dedication, you can embark on a rewarding research endeavor that advances environmental law knowledge and addresses critical environmental challenges.

How to Write an Environmental Law Research Paper

Writing an environmental law research paper requires a systematic approach and a keen understanding of legal concepts, environmental issues, and academic writing conventions. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or a student new to the field, mastering the art of crafting an effective research paper is essential to convey your findings and insights convincingly. Here are ten essential tips to guide you through the process of writing a compelling and well-structured environmental law research paper:

  • Conduct Thorough Research : Begin your environmental law research paper by conducting in-depth research on your chosen topic. Utilize academic journals, books, reputable websites, and legal databases to gather relevant and credible information. Analyze previous studies, court cases, and legislation related to your topic to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
  • Outline Your Paper : Creating a clear and organized outline is fundamental to the success of your research paper. Develop a well-structured outline that includes the introduction, thesis statement, main arguments, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and conclusion. A well-crafted outline will serve as a roadmap, ensuring your paper flows logically and cohesively.
  • Craft a Strong Introduction : The introduction is the gateway to your research paper. It should provide essential background information on the topic, state the purpose of the study, and present your thesis statement. A compelling introduction captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the paper.
  • Develop a Strong Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the central argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and specific, outlining the main point you aim to prove or discuss. Ensure that your thesis statement reflects the scope of your research and aligns with your chosen environmental law topic.
  • Use Clear and Precise Language : Environmental law research papers require clarity and precision in language. Avoid jargon and use straightforward terms to communicate complex legal concepts and environmental issues. Clearly define any legal terms or specialized vocabulary to ensure your readers understand the content.
  • Support Your Arguments with Evidence : As you present your main arguments, back them up with relevant and credible evidence. Cite case law, legislation, expert opinions, and empirical data to support your claims. Properly referenced evidence strengthens the credibility of your research and demonstrates your thorough understanding of the subject matter.
  • Address Counterarguments : Anticipate potential counterarguments to your thesis and address them in your paper. Acknowledging counterarguments and offering thoughtful responses demonstrate critical thinking and strengthen the overall argument of your research paper.
  • Analyze and Interpret Data : If your research involves data analysis, take the time to interpret the results accurately. Present your findings in a clear and organized manner, using charts, graphs, or tables if necessary. Analyze the implications of your data on environmental law and draw well-supported conclusions.
  • Discuss Policy and Practical Implications : Environmental law research often involves exploring policy implications. Discuss how your research findings can influence or inform environmental policy, regulation, or legal frameworks. Consider the practical implications of your research and offer recommendations for addressing environmental challenges.
  • Write a Convincing Conclusion : In your conclusion, summarize the key points of your research and restate your thesis statement. Emphasize the significance of your findings and how they contribute to the broader field of environmental law. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and end with a thought-provoking final remark.

Writing an environmental law research paper demands careful research, meticulous planning, and effective communication of ideas. By following these ten tips, you can craft a compelling and well-structured research paper that not only showcases your knowledge of environmental law but also makes a valuable contribution to the field. Remember to proofread your paper thoroughly and adhere to citation guidelines to ensure academic integrity. With diligence and attention to detail, you can produce a high-quality environmental law research paper that showcases your expertise and passion for the subject.

iResearchNet’s Custom Research Paper Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when tasked with writing complex and comprehensive environmental law research papers. As a dedicated academic writing company, we are committed to providing students with high-quality, custom-written research papers that meet their unique requirements and exceed their expectations. Our team of expert writers, all holding advanced degrees in law and related fields, possesses the knowledge and expertise to tackle a wide range of environmental law topics. When you choose iResearchNet’s custom environmental law research paper writing services, you can rest assured that you will receive a well-researched, well-structured, and meticulously crafted paper that aligns with the highest academic standards.

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team of writers consists of legal experts who hold advanced degrees in environmental law and related fields. With their vast knowledge and experience, they can deliver well-informed and authoritative research papers.
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Toward a framework for selecting indicators of measuring sustainability and circular economy in the agri-food sector: a systematic literature review

  • LIFE CYCLE SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT
  • Published: 02 March 2022

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  • Cecilia Silvestri   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2528-601X 1 ,
  • Luca Silvestri   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6754-899X 2 ,
  • Michela Piccarozzi   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9717-9462 1 &
  • Alessandro Ruggieri 1  

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A Correction to this article was published on 24 March 2022

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The implementation of sustainability and circular economy (CE) models in agri-food production can promote resource efficiency, reduce environmental burdens, and ensure improved and socially responsible systems. In this context, indicators for the measurement of sustainability play a crucial role. Indicators can measure CE strategies aimed to preserve functions, products, components, materials, or embodied energy. Although there is broad literature describing sustainability and CE indicators, no study offers such a comprehensive framework of indicators for measuring sustainability and CE in the agri-food sector.

Starting from this central research gap, a systematic literature review has been developed to measure the sustainability in the agri-food sector and, based on these findings, to understand how indicators are used and for which specific purposes.

The analysis of the results allowed us to classify the sample of articles in three main clusters (“Assessment-LCA,” “Best practice,” and “Decision-making”) and has shown increasing attention to the three pillars of sustainability (triple bottom line). In this context, an integrated approach of indicators (environmental, social, and economic) offers the best solution to ensure an easier transition to sustainability.

Conclusions

The sample analysis facilitated the identification of new categories of impact that deserve attention, such as the cooperation among stakeholders in the supply chain and eco-innovation.

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environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the temporal distribution of the articles under analysis

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaborations. Notes: The graph shows the time distribution of articles from the three major journals

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the composition of the sample according to the three clusters identified by the analysis

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the distribution of articles over time by cluster

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the network visualization

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the overlay visualization

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the classification of articles by scientific field

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: Article classification based on their cluster to which they belong and scientific field

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the distribution of items over time based on TBL

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the Pareto diagram highlighting the most used indicators in literature for measuring sustainability in the agri-food sector

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the distribution over time of articles divided into conceptual and empirical

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the classification of articles, divided into conceptual and empirical, in-depth analysis

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the geographical distribution of the authors

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the distribution of authors according to the continent from which they originate

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: The graph shows the time distribution of publication of authors according to the continent from which they originate

environmental topics for thesis

Source: Authors’ elaboration. Notes: Sustainability measurement indicators and impact categories of LCA, S-LCA, and LCC tools should be integrated in order to provide stakeholders with best practices as guidelines and tools to support both decision-making and measurement, according to the circular economy approach

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A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-022-02038-9

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Silvestri, C., Silvestri, L., Piccarozzi, M. et al. Toward a framework for selecting indicators of measuring sustainability and circular economy in the agri-food sector: a systematic literature review. Int J Life Cycle Assess (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-022-02032-1

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