Environment

The globalization of industrial consumer societies has generated unparalleled prosperity, but it also presents a profound threat to the environment. If unchecked, climate change will exacerbate economic, social, and political problems on a global scale. The effort to provide food, water, and energy for a growing world population will impact challenges of development, governance, and security into the future.

The Global Future of the Environment was the focus of the Georgetown Global Futures Initiative during the fall 2016 semester. A series of lectures by leaders of major international organizations framed a structured conversation with faculty, students, and a global audience about key environmental challenges and how to address them in the decades to come.

The lectures were complemented by a range of other events across campus related to the theme of environment, as well as a global online dialogue including more than 30 scholars, students, and practitioners around the world. The environment was also the theme of World Bank Group President Dr. Jim Yong Kim’s second lecture in the spring 2015 series on the Global Future of Development.

For an overview of Georgetown’s engagement with environmental issues across schools and programs, visit the Global Georgetown website or follow the links below.

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Major in Science, Technology and International Affairs

This major within the School of Foreign Service explores policy issues at the intersection of science and technology, including energy and the environment.

Environmental Law and Policy Program

Students in this Law Center program can pursue a J.D. degree or a one-year specialized LL.M. degree in environmental law.

Major in Environmental Biology

This major in the Department of Biology combines work in biology and other sciences with perspectives from history, public policy, and other disciplines.

Minor in Environmental and Occupational Health

This minor is offered through the Department of Human Science at the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

Minor in Environmental Studies

This minor is offered through the Center for the Environment in Georgetown College.

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Georgetown Environment Initiative

A multi-campus effort, this initiative advances interdisciplinary study of the environment in relation to society, scientific understanding, sound policy, and the challenges we face.

Center for the Environment

This center, located in Georgetown College, provides an evolving forum for the discussion, dissemination, and awareness of environmental issues at Georgetown and beyond.

Georgetown Climate Center

Based at Georgetown Law Center, this center examines interconnected climate, energy, and transportation policies and legal frameworks, with a focus on the United States.

Program on Science in the Public Interest

Located in Georgetown College, this program promotes direct dialogue with the government, industry, and community on critical issues including the environment.

Featured

The Global Future of the Environment Fall 2016 Report

During the fall 2016, Global Futures hosted a series of high-level lectures. Featured speakers included Secretary of State John Kerry; Rachel Kyte, chief executive officer of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative; and Anote Tong, former president of the island nation of Kiribati.

Events

What Will it Take to Build a Sustainable Energy System for the Future?

In September 2011, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a goal of achieving sustainable energy for all by the year 2030. In response to this vision, the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative was launched. By convening top-level leadership from governments, business, and civil…