Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Greening the Grenfell Curriculum: Environmental Learning as Part of Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Hunter, Alyssa (2017) Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Greening the Grenfell Curriculum: Environmental Learning as Part of Undergraduate Degree Requirements. Research Report. Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (691kB)

Abstract

College and University campuses all over the world are viewed by the public as institutions of innovation, problem solving, and a training ground for future leaders. With these expectations, higher education institutions should be leading the way in sustainability and environmental awareness initiatives. Such initiatives may occur in the form of public engagement activities, student/staff committees, research projects, curriculum, etc. All of which can aid in creating a sustainable campus environment which permeates beyond campus boundaries by creating educated advocates for sustainability and environmental awareness. Lindsay Cole stated that campuses all over need to be “reconstructed as engaged social institutions that function as critical, reflective knowledge and capacity building centers for the next generation of engaged global citizens” (2003, p. 6). It is key that we look beyond the basics of education and develop a sustainability ethos which permeates all aspects of campus life. Thomashow refers to sustainability ethos often, stating that it “calls attention to what we learn, how we live, and how we respond to a planetary environmental challenge” (2014, p. 153). Some examples of these planetary environmental changes include; global climate change, global warming, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and air, water, and land pollution (Brundtland, 1987). These environmental issues are considered direct consequences of human activity, and as social leaders, institutions of higher education have a responsibility to address these failings and provide future leaders with a better understanding of how to respond to these challenges.

Actions (login required)

View Item