The Goldman Awards, often referred to as the Goldman Environmental Prize, are given internationally for outstanding contributions in which of the following fields?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the Goldman Awards, more accurately known as the Goldman Environmental Prize. It asks in which field these awards are given. The prize is one of the most prominent international honours for grassroots environmental activism. Knowing this helps learners connect famous environmental campaigns with the awards that recognise such efforts.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The awards mentioned are the Goldman Awards, that is, the Goldman Environmental Prize.
- The question asks for the field in which these awards are given.
- Four options are listed: population control, popularization of science, conservation of energy and protection of environment.
- We assume that one of these descriptions matches the established purpose of the Goldman Environmental Prize.

Concept / Approach:
The Goldman Environmental Prize honours individuals from different regions of the world for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment. It is often called the Green Nobel. Thus, the central concept is environmental protection in a broad sense, including activism against pollution, destruction of ecosystems and unsustainable practices. The approach is to match this understanding with the option that best reflects protection of environment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise the Goldman Awards as the Goldman Environmental Prize, focused on environmental activism. Step 2: Understand that recipients are usually individuals who have led grassroots movements to protect forests, rivers, wildlife or communities from environmental harm. Step 3: Look at the options and identify which description covers this broad environmental focus. Step 4: Option D, protection of environment, clearly matches the scope of the Goldman Environmental Prize. Step 5: Therefore, select protection of environment as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official information about the Goldman Environmental Prize and credible environmental organisations describe the award as honouring grassroots environmental heroes. It is not limited to a narrower field such as energy conservation or population control. These references confirm that the primary recognised field is the protection of environment in general, aligning with option D.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Population Control focuses on demographic policies and is not the specific theme of the Goldman Environmental Prize.
Popularization of Science is related to communicating science to the public and corresponds to other awards, not the Goldman Environmental Prize.
Conservation of Energy is a subset of environmental efforts but is too narrow and does not describe the full scope of the award, which covers many environmental issues beyond energy alone.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be tempted to pick conservation of energy, thinking of climate change and energy use, but this underestimates the broader environmental activism context of the award. Others might confuse the Goldman Awards with prizes for science communication. Remembering that the prize is widely known as the Goldman Environmental Prize helps ensure that protection of environment is chosen.

Final Answer:
The Goldman Awards are given for outstanding contributions in the field of Protection of environment.