Program in Environmental Policy and Culture Highlights

Environmental issues and conflicts are emerging as among the most important concerns of the twenty-first century. Issues such as global warming, efforts to maintain and restore biodiversity, and the reconciliation of development with environmental protection are of compelling concern.

A better understanding of environmental policy and culture is essential for addressing the growing threats to the planet and all its habitants. Social facets of environmental problems such as eco-justice have become increasingly important too. A growing body of research in the social sciences and humanities addresses many aspects of environmental problems.

The Environmental Policy and Culture Program offers students an interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies, focusing on the social sciences and humanities.

We are developing a growing focus on the global commons and urban environment, two critical areas of study for understanding emerging environmental issues such as sustainability, water, and global warming. We offer a coherent program of study starting with a choice of two overview courses and continuing with 300-level lecture courses and seminars.

Students in the program acquire knowledge and analytical skills that will serve them in a variety of careers including public service in government and jobs in non-governmental organizations, business, law, medicine, and journalism. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes it compatible with many other programs at Northwestern.

After student lobbying, the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences created the Environmental Policy and Culture Program in 2005. Professor Paul Friesema served as the Program first Director from 2005-2008 and under his leadership the program expanded significantly.

Since its inception in 2005, the Environmental Policy and Culture Program has grown from a handful of students to about 75 students pursuing the minor in 2009. Twenty seven students graduated with a minor in EPC in 2011.

The Program now offers 10-12 courses a year, and a choice of another 20-30 courses taught in other NU departments and programs every year. The program continues to grow and now offers more intellectual activities to students and faculty interested in environmental studies, including a guest speaker series (see Events). The talks are open to the Northwestern community and to the public.

The Director of the program is Dr. Yael Wolinsky-Nahmias.