2014 Presentations (Communicative Events)

Promoting Public Service in Sustainability through Research, Education, Outreach, and Practice

Cohen, Steven Alan; Miller, Allison

This paper presents the portfolio of activities that Columbia University’s Earth Institute undertakes to serve the public good by employing research, education, public outreach, and practice to move toward a more sustainable global economy. The mission of public service is embodied in activities across Columbia University’s Earth Institute. While primarily a research institution, the Earth Institute blends natural, physical and social scientific research, and cutting edge technical knowledge with education, outreach, and practical application of knowledge to address the critical issues of global sustainability. The Earth Institute promotes the ideal of public service by connecting our students and the public to issues of environmental sustainability and showcasing the problem-solving capacities of the public and non-profit sectors.

The overarching goal behind the research of the Earth Institute is to achieve environmental sustainability in the context of a world of environmental challenges—from rapid population growth and climate change to extreme poverty and infectious disease. With Columbia University as its foundation, the Earth Institute draws on the scientific rigor and academic leadership for which the University is known to create an interdisciplinary community dedicated to cutting-edge research. The Earth Institute has built research units to examine every facet of global sustainability.