Sustainable Development
Administrative Information
Interim Program Director: Prof. Kevin Griffin, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; (845) 365-8371; griff@ldeo.columbia.edu
Program Administrator: Catherine Aldrich, 1408 IAB; 854-9610; cqa2@columbia.edu
Departmental Office: The Earth Institute, Office of Academic and Research Programs, 1408 IAB
Interschool Committee for Sustainable Development
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Steven Cohen The Earth Institute and School of International and Public Affairs Peter Coleman Social-Organizational Psychology and Teacher's College Patricia Culligan Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Ruth DeFries (Co-Chair) Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) Peter deMenocal Earth and Environmental Sciences Joseph Graziano Mailman School of Public Health Kevin Griffin (Co-Chair) Earth and Environmental Sciences Upmanu Lall Earth and Environmental Engineering Edward Lloyd Law School (Environmental Law Clinic) |
Shahid Naeem Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Stephanie Pfirman Department of Environmental Science
(Barnard) Robert Pollack Biological Sciences Elliott Sclar Urban Planning and Public Affairs: Wolfram Schlenker Economics Sam Sia Biomedical Engineering Andrea Solomon General Studies Sara Tjossem School of International and Public Affairs Kathryn Yatrakis Columbia College |
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 programs 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.