Why Earth & Environmental Sciences? The Earth and environmental sciences focus on understanding Earth’s dynamic history — how Earth “works” and records its origin and age in rocks and landscapes — and how geological processes affect modern environmental and ecological systems. Among the natural sciences, ours is the quintessential interdisciplinary field, providing a vital perspective on how Earth’s physical and geochemical templates simultaneously sustain and threaten life, and influence human interactions with Earth. Learn more about the benefits of studying earth and environmental sciences.