This topic may be premature for you but I cannot not resist a vision that I have of two future career paths. Sometimes thoughts simply pop in and out of my mind. Right now a hot topic is global warming. (Howcould anyone miss the clamor?) As is true with almost any subject, many folks nowadays believe that government solves problems. You live in an age when great faith is placed in politicians and bureaucrats. Someday I will describe their iceberg theroy of governing, but for now think long and hard before you credit them as the “best and the brightest.”

Hopes for changing the weather/climate is certainly not a new concept. There is quite a long history of making things better. I’ll spare you the tales of special chants, rain dances and magic. Get right into the 1800’s. One concept called for huge plots of forest to be lit ablaze to generate heat to shake up the atmosphere. Of course, in succeeding years more enlightened minds felt that rain often followed Civil War battles. So war had to play a role in improving the planet. Move on the the 1890’s when concussions in the air caused by huge explosions generated weather change. (A smaller version of the Big Bang?) And, last century we seeded clouds. Never give up. Which brings me to suggested careers for you after university if the best and the brightest remain dedicated to new energy.

PROSPECTING or SCIENCE. Take your pick. If alternative energy sources come to fruition (Wind-Solar-Tons of Batteries) there will be a need for loads of lithium, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and cobalt. I’m not talking pick and shovel work. There’ll be a need for gouges into the earth to satisfy need. We’ll all be better off with frenzied chasing after minerals. No one notices the 78 mines currently designated as Super Fund sites. The public won’t be any wiser in 20-40 years if more sites are added. Dig at your hearts content. Think geologist for a career.

Or, maybe a nuclear scientist. “Atoms for Peace” was a concept going back to 1953. Therein lies a possible answer for future energy. It has lost a political battle over safety/fear to date but actual bright minds are getting closer to safe, sustainable nuclear energy. It’s a source that may be ripe for development. If you contemplate such a career just be sure that you understand the difference between fission and fusion.