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Educating the Future of Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Gillian Bowser

    (Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, 1499 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
    Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA)

  • Ulrike Gretzel

    (Institute for Innovation in Business and Social Research, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Elizabeth Davis

    (College of Business, 300 Boston Post Road, University of New Haven, West Haven CT 06405, USA)

  • Mark Brown

    (Department of Ethnic Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
    Department of Clinical Sciences, 1052 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1052, USA)

Abstract

The future of global environmental sustainability is contingent upon educating the next generation of environmental stewards. Critical elements of training such an interdisciplinary workforce include mentoring and experiential learning in the areas of science, communication, and leadership. To keep pace with the ever changing and increasingly complex issues of global environmental sustainability, environmental educators must encourage and support the participation and training of a diverse body of students in the environmental sciences. The Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network (RMSSN) is a partnership of over two dozen universities, federal agencies and other organizations designed to help train the next diverse generation of interdisciplinary leaders who are prepared to address issues related to global climate change, environmental sustainability, and the management of public lands and resources using the Rocky Mountains as a laboratory and classroom. Herein, we present the RMSSN as a model for engaging students in the environmental sciences with an emphasis on understanding key elements of sustainability. Our model is based on a foundation of: (1) diversity; (2) tiered mentoring in cohorts; (3) engaging lectures coupled with field experiences on public lands; (4) long term networking; and (5) environmental internships.

Suggested Citation

  • Gillian Bowser & Ulrike Gretzel & Elizabeth Davis & Mark Brown, 2014. "Educating the Future of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-10, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:2:p:692-701:d:32715
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Muhammad Waqar Ashraf & Faisal Alanezi, 2020. "Incorporation of Sustainability Concepts into the Engineering Core Program by Adopting a Micro Curriculum Approach: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Federica Buffa, 2015. "Young Tourists and Sustainability. Profiles, Attitudes, and Implications for Destination Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(10), pages 1-21, October.
    3. Ana Nikezić & Dragan Marković, 2015. "Place-Based Education in the Architectural Design Studio: Agrarian Landscape as a Resource for Sustainable Urban Lifestyle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(7), pages 1-23, July.
    4. Francesca Romana Lugeri & Piero Farabollini & Roberto Greco & Vittorio Amadio, 2015. "The Geological Characterization of Landscape in Major TV Series: A Suggested Approach to Involve the Public in the Geological Heritage Promotion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Mirian Jiménez-Torres & Catalina Rus-Casas & Lenin Guillermo Lemus-Zúiga & Leocadio Hontoria, 2017. "The Importance of Accurate Solar Data for Designing Solar Photovoltaic Systems—Case Studies in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-14, February.
    6. Audrey L. Schroer & Heili E. Lowman & Craig L. Just, 2015. "Educating the Aware, Informed and Action-Oriented Sustainable Citizen," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-15, February.
    7. Dolores Gallardo-Vázquez & José A. Folgado-Fernández, 2020. "Regional Economic Sustainability: Universities’ Role in Their Territories," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-21, March.
    8. Adolfo Cazorla-Montero & Ignacio de los Ríos-Carmenado & Juan Ignacio Pasten, 2019. "Sustainable Development Planning: Master’s Based on a Project-Based Learning Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-23, November.
    9. Habib M. Alshuwaikhat & Yusuf A. Adenle & Bilal Saghir, 2016. "Sustainability Assessment of Higher Education Institutions in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-16, August.
    10. Ismaila R. Abubakar & Faez S. Al-Shihri & Sayed M. Ahmed, 2016. "Students’ Assessment of Campus Sustainability at the University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-14, January.

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