John Carroll University is responding to the growing need for leaders in the study of climate change with the launch of a new Climate, Environment, and Sustainability (CES) minor, aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
The interdisciplinary program, which officially rolled out for the Fall 2024 semester, is designed for students across all disciplines who are passionate about creating sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines science, policy, ethics, and community engagement, the minor is intended to provide a holistic understanding of climate and environmental issues while fostering the development of practical problem-solving skills.
A Growing Need for Sustainability Expertise
The new minor comes at a critical moment when environmental sustainability is increasingly seen as a key component of global policy, business, and everyday life. With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, from extreme weather events to biodiversity loss, JCU’s program aims to prepare graduates who can contribute to meaningful change across industries such as energy, agriculture, urban planning, public health, and environmental law. It is essential to educate students who can think critically about these issues and develop innovative solutions.
In November 2024, students and faculty interested in the environment and sustainability attended College Sustainability Night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They learned about the team's sustainability initiatives, took a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena, and attended a game as the Cavs continued their winning streak.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
The minor draws on the expertise of faculty from various disciplines, including biology, political science, economics, and theology, reflecting the complex nature of environmental challenges. Students will have the option of exploring topics such as climate justice, public health, green chemistry, and contemporary ethics. In addition to classroom instruction, the program emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for students to engage directly with local and global sustainability initiatives. The minor is open to students from all academic backgrounds, and students can tailor the minor to their interests and career goals.
“The Climate, Environment, and Sustainability minor offers students the chance to study environmental issues from a variety of disciplinary perspectives,” said Dr. James Watling, Associate Professor and Chair of the Biology Department at JCU. "This program is ideal for students interested in pairing an environmental or sustainability credential with a major of their choice.”
Looking Toward the Future
John Carroll University has long been committed to sustainability, and the new minor further demonstrates the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental awareness and stewardship among its students.
“The Climate, Environment, and Sustainability minor is really exciting to me because it not only allows me to explore scientific studies, but it also delves into the ethical and cultural backgrounds which are just as critical to finding sustainable solutions, said Tina Tran ‘27. “One of the courses I’m currently taking, Climate Change Literature, has been one of the most interesting classes I’ve experienced at JCU. It’s kept me eager to learn more about the role of the creative imagination in addressing climate change and solidified my decision to join the CES program. For me, the CES minor perfectly complements my major by bridging the gap between science and human experiences.”
As climate change continues to shape the global landscape, the need for thoughtful, informed leaders has never been more urgent. With its new minor in Climate, Environment, and Sustainability, John Carroll University is providing students with the tools they need to address these challenges head-on.
For more information on the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability minor, visit John Carroll University’s website.