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Environmental Programs About the Program Environmental practice and research is inherently multidisciplinary. There is no situation in which one person can rightfully claim to be "the environmental expert." Analysis and solution of real environmental problems involves teams of people with expertise in various natural science and social science disciplines. Appropriate solutions are never entirely scientific/technical nor political/economic. One useful way to understand this involves describing environmental "Impact" as a function of Population, Affluence and Technology (IPAT). Some call this the "Master Equation" because it captures the key elements needed to assess the overall environmental impacts of societies. Although technological developments in a society can lead to environmental degradation, most environmentalist experts recognize that improvements in technology are vital to the long-term health of the environment. They also recognize that increasing population and affluence have the potential to overwhelm even the best technological innovations, resulting in a net increase in environmental degradation over time. Earlham's environmental programs, therefore, prepare students with a strong disciplinary foundation, exposure to the "other sides" of environmental practice and realistic experience. In the Natural Sciences, students may pursue a disciplinary major in Biology, Chemistry or Geosciences, with a focus in Environmental Science. These students are introduced to environmental perspectives in the Social Sciences and Humanities, and participate in environmental internships and/or off-campus programs. Students choosing the Environmental Studies Minor are introduced to an important subset of the disciplines fundamental to analysis and solution of modern environmental problems. This enables them to bring informed environmental perspectives into the courses of their disciplinary majors. They become active members in Earlham's environmental community where they interact with students majoring in various disciplines who share a passion for the environment. Earlham has an outstanding record of producing knowledgeable and effective environmental leaders. Throughout the history of the college, Earlham graduates have gone on to successful environmentally-related careers. Graduates have served and continue to serve as educators in schools or environmental learning centers, government investigators or regulators, environmental planners or researchers, or members of non-governmental organizations — all working for a better environment. Graduates of Earlham's current environmental programs continue to be well prepared for environmental careers or graduate study. Recent graduates have completed advanced degrees in the creation and restoration of natural areas, climatology, ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental law, environmental statistics, soil ecology and urban ecology. Some entered positions in outdoor or environmental education, environmental activism and ecosystems study. |
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Earlham College · 801 National Road West · Richmond,
Indiana 47374-4095 |