One of the biggest environmental issues that I believe is prevalent in my field of studies is the rate of pollution affecting the natural resources, particularly the state of plastic pollution in our oceans, rivers and other water sources such as wetlands. Following on from my honours program I completed last year, I intend to utilize my Master?s to conduct research on sustainable development in the green economy. I believe that there is an urgent need for empowerment and development of marginalized individuals and communities across the world, however, I also feel that these operations must be environmentally sustainable. As the population is increasing rapidly, so too is the waste that humans produce. The accumulation of waste, both recyclable and non-recyclable, is overpowering our natural environment creating problems for vegetation and animals. I believe there is a need to invest in the ?zero waste lifestyle? campaigns and programs that are gaining popularity amongst researchers, NGOs and citizens. In my future studies, I hope to gain a better understanding of how the advancement of people can go hand in hand with the consideration and conservation of the natural environment, and how sustainability can be driven in communities where there are urgent socio-economic needs that often cloud conversations on conservation.

I am passionate about waste management as I feel that our resources are exploited and underappreciated. Why I believe I should study further into this topic is because the population of the world continues to grow increasing the strain on our environment. Human populations will continue to live hand and in the hand with the natural resources. Without preserving and acknowledging human?s ability to permanently deplete these resources, we will deprive future generations of the quality of life we are accustomed to.