Currently at the forefront of a transition zone seismic project in the Middle East, accomplished Environmental Advisors Ademar Ehrhardt and Rahul Nagesh, took time out of their busy schedules to share with us their experiences and valuable insights.
Q1: What Inspired you to Pursue a Career in the Environmental Field?
Ademar:
“Since my childhood, I have always felt a deep connection with nature, and it has consistently fascinated me. During summers spent at the beach with my parents, I not only played but also endeavoured to understand the dynamics of the beaches and the animals that inhabited them. This always captured my attention. I have always been an enthusiast of outdoor sports, especially surfing, which has helped me realize how beneficial and healthy it is to be connected with nature.
Before starting my graduation in oceanography, I had already decided that I wanted to work in something related to the environment. Through the experiences gained over the years, beginning my career in fisheries research with the goal of promoting more sustainable fishing practices and later transitioning to the oil and gas industry as an Environmental Advisor, I became certain that I made the right decision. Moreover, I have always had the desire to create a positive impact for future generations, especially for my daughter.”
Rahul:
“Growing up in a metropolitan city, and despite my urban upbringing, I’ve consistently felt a profound connection to nature. Perhaps it’s because of the limited time I that I got to spend amidst those amazing landscapes and forests in India that made me truly understand the value of the environment. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until my master’s studies that I discovered my passion for a career in the environmental field. The turning point occurred in the Andaman Islands, a hidden paradise known to few, where my studies and interactions with some amazing inspiring individuals on this journey propelled me towards a dedicated career in marine ecology and conservation.”
Q2: Can You Share a Typical Day in the Life of an Environmental Advisor?
Rahul:
“In the role of an Environmental Advisor, particularly within transition zone projects, there is never a typical day. The nature of the work requires constant vigilance to devise solutions rapidly, often within a short timeframe and with limited resources and guidance. This dynamic environment demands staying on top of tasks and being ready to address challenges as they arise. Apart from these a typical day would be conducting environmental surveys and preparing reports, monitoring operations in sensitive habitats and regular inspections. But every day is a learning process, there is something new that we learn every day in this job.”
Ademar:
“It’s a dynamic role with daily tasks and deadlines. Almost every day, we conduct field surveys like mangrove, coral, archaeological, anchor, and flora and fauna surveys. After each survey, a report is prepared with recommendations to minimize environmental impacts. Ensuring adherence to recommendations and assessing post-activity impact are integral parts of the reports. Project planning, organization, and forward-thinking are crucial to prevent delays. Managing surveys, producing client reports, and conducting environmental training to emphasize the importance of preserving the environment are part of the responsibilities. Additionally, there are reports that have to be prepared for the country’s environmental agency as part of the routine.”
Q3: Can You Highlight Some Key Skills and Qualifications That Are Crucial For Success in This Role?
Ademar:
“Primarily, a course related to the environmental field is essential. Additionally, courses such as environmental management can be beneficial throughout the process. It is also important to continuously take courses to stay updated. Acquiring relevant qualifications can strengthen your knowledge base. In my opinion, the primary skill required is being proactive. This is essential because not everyone naturally thinks about the environment, and you need to emphasize its importance to everyone. Additionally, enjoying fieldwork is crucial, as a significant portion of your day will be spent in the field. Proficiency in georeferencing programs is necessary. The ability to adapt to different situations is vital since you work in various environments, sometimes onshore and other times offshore. Lastly, patience is key. As mentioned earlier, not everyone prioritizes environmental concerns, so the awareness-building aspect of the job must be carried out. consistently and gradually. And certainly, if you enjoy a job with a routine, this role is not for you.”
Rahul: “To succeed in this role, it is vital to possess a fundamental understanding of ecology and various ecosystems, but the most crucial skill is the ability to comprehend the dynamic operations of projects. This is essential because without this knowledge, environmental expertise alone will not be sufficient to mitigate the impacts. The role involves assessing impacts and developing mitigation strategies that do not hinder operations while effectively protecting the environment. In challenging situations, being proactive and maintaining clear communication with the crew is key. Additionally, proficiency in mapping software, knowledge of environmental baseline survey methodologies, familiarity with industry standards, and a grasp of both local and global environmental laws and protocols are valuable skills to cultivate for success in this role.”
Q4: What Challenges do Environmental Advisors Face, and How do They Overcome Them?
Rahul:
“The primary challenge we face is operating within an organizational structure where each department is focused on meeting specific targets related to operations and production. While our environmental advisory efforts aim to educate colleagues about critical environmental concerns, local biodiversity, and global climate issues, there can be a perception among them that these initiatives are merely checkbox exercises. To fix this, we need to make people more aware of how their actions affect the environment. Instead of giving everyone general environmental training, we provide training that’s specific to their job and location. This way, it’s more relevant and practical for them. We also need to make the training interesting and interactive. It’s important to show that we appreciate even the small things people do to help the environment. This helps create a positive work culture that cares about the environment.”
Ademar:
“The primary challenges revolve around effectively managing oil exploration while safeguarding the environment. Managing this is a constant challenge because some companies do not give it the attention it needs and fail to see that protecting the environment can also be beneficial for the companies.
This requires strong communication skills to explain mitigation measures and environmentally responsible projects. Addressing these challenges demands not only technical knowledge but also interpersonal, ethical, and strategic skills to deal with complexities of the interaction between the oil industry and environmental preservation.”
Q5: How Can Companies Benefit from Having Dedicated Environmental Advisors, and What Impact Can This Have on Their Overall Sustainability Efforts?
Ademar:
“Nowadays, in an increasingly competitive market, with numerous companies operating in the same sector, having an Environmental Advisor can be a competitive advantage. The ESG (environmental, social, and economic sustainability) is gaining prominence, and many companies are thinking beyond just profitability, considering a more holistic approach where not only the company benefits but also the environment and the entire region or city.
Moreover, Environmental Advisors assist the company in understanding and complying with local and international environmental regulations, thereby avoiding fines and penalties. They can also help identify and manage environmental risks, preventing potential damage to the company’s reputation and reducing exposure to environmental crises.
The adoption of environmentally responsible practices, guided by Environmental Advisors, can enhance the credibility and reputation of the company with clients, investors, and the community. Having dedicated Environmental Consultants not only helps companies meet environmental requirements but also drives efficiency, innovation, and social responsibility, contributing to a holistic and sustainable approach to business.”
Rahul:
“Dedicated Environmental Advisors play a pivotal role in enhancing a company’s sustainability efforts. By providing expertise in environmental regulations and practices, they assist in minimizing ecological impacts, ensuring compliance, and fostering sustainable operations. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks associated with environmental issues but also enhances the company’s reputation, attracting environmentally conscious stakeholders. Environmental Advisors contribute to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and strategic planning for long-term sustainability. Ultimately, their presence helps companies align with environmental goals, fostering responsible practices that positively impact both the planet and the bottom line.”
Q6: What Advice Would You Give to Someone Aspiring to Become an Environmental Advisor?
Rahul:
“Constant learning and keeping up with local and global regulations, biodiversity, IUCN checklist, and industry standards and initiatives is very important, as these standards and regulations keep evolving.”
Ademar:
“The environmental professional career is always evolving. Improve your technical skills in areas such as environmental impact assessment, waste management, environmental monitoring, and other specific disciplines within the field. Be flexible and resilient; many projects are challenging and involve unforeseen events.”
Q7: In Your Opinion, What is the Most Pressing Environmental Concern Today and How Can Individuals Contribute to Addressing It?
Ademar:
“Today, we can highlight climate change, which is abundantly evident in our current experiences, with catastrophic events becoming increasingly frequent. In the city where I was born and where my parents live, there were five floods last year (2023), a situation that had never occurred before.
There are several ways to contribute to minimizing the environmental impacts we face today. It begins at home, adopting sustainable practices daily, whether by choosing more efficient household appliances or supporting the local market with products originating from sustainable practices. Encouraging sustainable practices in your workplace and community is crucial. Additionally, getting involved in local conservation initiatives, such as tree planting, beach cleaning, or habitat restoration projects, can make a meaningful impact.”
Rahul:
“The most pressing environmental concern today encompasses a multifaceted challenge, including the loss of biodiversity, sea level rise, climate change, and global warming. These issues are intricately interconnected, demanding a collaborative and comprehensive approach. Despite the global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pursuit of net-zero emissions, various studies indicate that our progress is insufficient.
Addressing these challenges requires collective efforts at both organizational and individual levels. Individuals can play a crucial role by making mindful choices in their daily lives. Simple actions, such as refusing plastic bags, being conscious of one’s ecological footprint, and opting for sustainable alternatives, contribute to the broader solution. It’s a complex issue with a simple equation: reducing individual demand leads to decreased production, thereby alleviating environmental stressors. In essence, every small change at the individual level contributes to the larger goal of environmental preservation.
From everyone at EMS Assist, we would like to thank Rahul and Ademar, and all Environmental Advisors for the invaluable work that they do. We appreciate the positive impact that they are making in safeguarding our planet for current and future generations.
We would love to hear from any environmental professionals who would be interested in joining the EMS Assist team. Please contact recruitment@ems-assist.com for more information.
Thank you!
The EMS Team
