2015 Conference

Discussion Symposium

This discussion symposium focuses on how to design ESS programs to be commensurate with the times.  That is, do the crises we face (climate change, mass extinction, environmental toxins…) compel us to adjust the structure of our programs?  Some recent publications on this topic suggest it is time to move beyond science-policy frameworks where we expect decision makers to act on scientific information delivered to them on environmental problems.  Instead, ESS programs should prepare students how to advocate for change as well and how to adapt to what is being called the long emergency of moving from the Holocene in to the Anthropocene.  We also should consider what our relationship is with other programs considering the same thing such as sustainability studies and/or is it time to reach out to relevant fields such as public health?  Further, it may be time for ESS programs to prepare students for different types of careers that we may have not considered in the past, such as risk assessment.  The majority of this symposium will be devoted to intellectual exchange on the future of our ESS programs.  This session will be of interest to faculty and administrators who are designing new ESS programs, for those working on redesigning existing programs, or for those contemplating assessment initiatives.  The session will be audio recorded, transcribed, and sent to participants who wish a copy.