Posts
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Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior
Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…
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Student Profile: Jennifer Haller
While studying as an undergraduate, Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (M.P.A.-E.S.P.) student Jennifer Haller figured her degree in environmental science would be enough to prepare her for a career in implementing environmental change. However, upon entering the work force, she realized she wanted more preparation. Jennifer explains, “I quickly realized the…
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Can Eco-Tourism Lead to an ‘Eco-Civilization’?
Does blending a group of respected business professionals, academics, spiritual leaders, media, policy specialists and artists in a custom eco-tourism experience provide a pathway to developing a passionate and committed group of individuals?
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Student Profile: Semee Yoon
It was by chance that Semee Yoon, a Columbia College junior studying economics, ended up working toward the undergraduate special concentration in sustainable development. Her first introduction to the field occurred while working as a translator for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movement. There she acquired exposure to sustainable development firsthand as she translated for…
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Student Profile: Marta Vicarelli
When Marta Vicarelli first heard the term “sustainable development,” she was in high school. “At that time, environmental concerns were not a priority in the international agenda,” explains Marta, a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) program in sustainable development. The Ph.D. program, which started five years…
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Student Profile: Nathan Chan
After graduating from college with a dual degree in earth and environmental engineering and English literature from the California Institute of Technology, Nathan Chan searched for a program where he could effectively apply his technical skills while gaining knowledge and experience about management and policy. He found he was looking for in Columbia’s Master of…
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Student Profile: Hannah Lee
Hannah Lee, a senior in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), has shown a powerful passion for sustainability, developing countries and leadership during her three years at Columbia. Lee’s interest in the environment was sparked at an early age, influencing her decision to apply to Columbia and to pursue environmental studies,…
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Why Conservation is Not Condescension: A Case Against Eco-imperialism
Western ecologists and conservationists have been portrayed at times as modern imperialists, forcefully imposing a radical ideology of environmentalism on the developing world. These so-called “eco-imperialists” are depicted as arrogant and uncaring elites, concerned with the protection of pristine nature, but indifferent to human welfare. But the future of wild places is entwined with human…
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Student Profile: Victoria Rosoff
When you hear “Client Service Manager for JPMorgan Chase,” you may not think of the interactions between climate and society. Yet, that is the position that Victoria Rosoff held when she applied for the M.A. Program in Climate and Society. Victoria said, “My classes and my program-related internship throughout the year at Columbia’s International Research…
