Environmental Studies
Earth's environment is maintained through complex feedback mechanisms which, over geologic time, have created an environment replete with myriad life forms and incredible biological, geological, and cultural diversity. Humans have always affected their environment, but since industrialization, the nature and scope of human impact has increased dramatically.
Our current use of natural resources is spiraling due to consumption-based economies and increasing demand by humans for necessities such as food, energy, and fresh water. Human activities have led to widespread air, water, and soil pollution, and set in motion long-term and troubling changes in our climate, new extinctions, unsustainable patterns of resource extraction and waste creation. Poverty and racism further exacerbate resource access disparities and threaten the livelihoods and survival of many humans around the world.
Environmental concerns will be with us for generations as we work toward a more sustainable way of life. The Environmental Studies program structures a liberal arts education around these concerns and prepares students for entry-level positions, as well as graduate study, in fields related to environment and sustainability.
Tyler Pierson ’21 accepts position at one of the world’s largest financial services institutions, Prudential Financial. Graduating with a major in economics and a minor in entrepreneurial studies, Tyler Pierson…
At Closed Loop Systems, cofounder and CEO Jacob Fox ’16 is turning organic waste into a regenerative solution. “Not many people know this but we have degraded over 60 percent…
“Your mentor only has one hour for you. What are you going to use it for?” Ruiwan Xu ’11 likes to ask young professionals. Her advice? Touch base with them during life’s…
