Sustainable development is founded on the premise that human well-being should advance without irreparable harm to ecosystems and the vital services they provide, without depleting essential resources, and without posing risks to future generations. Sustainability means the management of the world’s resources in a manner consistent with the continued healthy functioning of the world’s ecosystems, oceans, atmosphere, and climate. Development is the challenge of spreading social, political, and economic well-being to the entire global community and especially to the poorest of the poor, who continue to suffer massive material deprivation despite the vast improvements in average material conditions on the planet.
The Earth Institute, in collaboration with Columbia College, the School of General Studies, and the departments of Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology; International and Public Affairs; and Earth and Environmental Engineering, is now offering a special concentration in Sustainable Development. The courses required for the special concentration are designed to engage students in this emergent interdisciplinary discussion; provide them with a knowledge of the theory and practice of sustainable development; stimulate a critical examination of the historical and conceptual antecedents; have them reflect on how past practices have shaped the present; provide experience in the complex challenges of sustainable development through direct engagement; and help them imagine alternative futures for our rapidly changing world.
Students interested in sustainable development should consider the special concentration described below. They are also encouraged to participate in the lectures, conferences, and other events sponsored by The Earth Institute. Those interested in doing further work in this field should consult with the director or other members of the interschool committee.
Sustainable Development Course Descriptions
PROGRAM OFFICE
Earth Institute Office of Education Programs
1408 International Affairs Building
http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/articles/view/1923
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kevin L Griffin
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; (845) 365-8371
griff@ldeo.columbia.edu
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Louise Rosen
1408 IAB; (212) 854-3142
lar46@columbia.edu
INTERSCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Paul Brandt-Rauf (Mailman School of Public Health)
Peter DeMenocal (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
Steven Cohen (Earth Institute and School of International and Public Affairs)
Patricia Culligan (Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics)
Tanya Heikkila (School of International and Public Affairs)
Upmanu Lall (Earth and Environmental Engineering)
Edward Lloyd (Law School/Environmental Law Clinic)
Mary McGee (School of General Studies)
Shahid Naeem (Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology)
Eliot Sclar (Urban Planning and Public Affairs: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation; School of International and Public Affairs)
Wolfram Schlenker (Economics)
Sam Sia (Biomedical Engineering)
Sara Tjossem (School of International and Public Affairs)
Kathryn Yatrakis (Columbia College)
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCENTRATION IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Program of Study: Students who plan to complete the concentration in sustainable development must also complete a major in order to graduate. Students who wish to complete a concentration in sustainable development will work with a program advisor to decide upon course selection and sequencing.
Courses: A total of 9 courses plus 1 practicum is required:
Note: Approved science classes taken for the special concentration may be used to fulfill core requirements. Up to three additional courses counted toward the special concentration may also be counted toward the student’s major or another concentration. Students may petition to count as related courses those not listed.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION (for a detailed description of each course, see the Sustainable Development Course Descriptions)