What exactly IS Ecology and Conservation?

Ecology is the study of how the environment and ecosystems function and Conservation is how to preserve them to stop them from being destroyed and potentially costing mankind a great service ( Such as the destruction of the rainforests- once it’s gone, that’s a whole lot less oxygen we have to live on!)

To me, I always thought the meaning of ecology and conservation is obvious. But when I told my family the course I had chosen to study, instead of receiving congratulations and pats on the back, all I got were a whole lot of confused and blank stares. None of them had a clue what I was talking about. They all knew what conservation is but none knew about ecology, so I had to translate it into simple terms:  “The Environment and how to stop it from being destroyed”, I explained. Once again, I expected congratulations now they understood what I was doing- in my 18 year old mind, I was studying how to save the planet, surely I deserved some sort of celebration right?

Wrong. Not just by the family, but by society in general I have been called a hippie, tree-hugger and as one person has said to me a number of times “you’re wasting your time”. I’ve also had “What kind of job are you going to be able to get?”  and “Oh. So you’re going to be on a crap wage for your whole life. Good luck with that.” The worst question anybody has ever asked me and has annoyed me greatly is this:

“What’s the point?”

Now, I may be much older and wiser than when I was 18, but even now at 23, I can’t help but feel that people are missing just how important studying the environment is. Those who ask what’s the point in me doing it have had a variety of reactions from me, from anger to disappointment that they can brush me and my choices aside and assume I’m just another tree hugger that’s all about peace and save the Earth.

I don’t consider myself a hippie: I consider myself Environmentally Aware. I sometimes leave my lights on when I leave the room, use kitchen roll and use soap from a bottle like most people do, however I make sure that all the things I have are eco-friendly so though I still feel guilty for  doing/using these things, at  least I have an eco-mind behind it.

Ecology and conservation is such a valuable thing to life and has  done so much already. For example, through ecology, Yellowstone National Park has re-introduced wolves that have stabilised the ecosystem (As shown below, image courtesy of National Geographic, 2010) and has helped increase tourism, therefore  benefiting the  economy.

As for conservation, one major success is that in 2006, 10% of the world's land is now covered with wildlife reserves (New Scientist). It is likely that this number has actually increased since,which is fantastic news as nature reserves add protection and awareness to target species and once again, brings tourism to an area, boosting the economy.

So next time somebody asks me, or even you, what is the point in studying ecology after you explain what it is and ask if I am/you are wasting your time, simply shrug and let them decide for themselves. I am proud of  my subject, and I am excited at the potential to add to the great work that has already been achieved. Let the haters hate and be proud that you chose the environment route!