
This past December, seniors in the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development delivered their final presentations to fellow students and faculty at Columbia University. The workshop is a required course for students in the Sustainable Development major or special concentration.

As an undergraduate, Scott Mackenzie was always looking to discover the best way to advance and apply sustainability initiatives. In his research he came across the Earth Institute’s web page and was drawn to the recorded lectures and photo essays. “The work here is very multi-disciplinary and driven by such passionate people, and that was…

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…

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…

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?

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…

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…

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…

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,…