Science/Careers in Sustainability
I. Introduction
- Introduce ourselves & office (Name, major, why you personally care about sustainability)
- SPROUT = Sustainability Peer Resource OUTreach
- Icebreaker: Introduce yourselves with year, major, goal. Pay attention to what they say about their majors!
II. What is sustainability?
- Brainstorm, what falls under that umbrella.
- Meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of the future generation.
III. How does science influence sustainability?
- Research
- Develops new technology, using renewables
- Evidence that climate change/other issues are significant problems
IV. Sustainability is a very science based movement.
- Do you think this harms its ability to be easily understood and accepted by society? How is this positive? (more reliable)
- Politics
- Who is doing/funding the research? Exxon-mobile, U.S. government, etc.
- What are motives? Energy independence, cleaner air, sustainable.
- Going into science you should be able to recognize potential problems in research. Scientific method?
- Always look into methods, funding, etc. behind the scences supporters
V. Careers
Research for sustainability technology
- Biodiversity
- New tech
- Water quality
For profit sustainability advising (combine with business minor/double major)
- Education
Public health:
- Effects of pollution/toxins on human health – increased risk of cancer
- Water pollution
- Geomedicine
Sustainable urban development
VI. Sustainability Tips
- Conservation Tips: Ask what people in the group are already doing. Discuss why each one is beneficial.
- Hand out the checklist for everyone to look over and take home.
- Make it fun! A lot of activities can be made more sustainable by doing them in groups: studying together or in public places saves electricity, carpooling saves gas, have group events outdoors, choose board game nights over watching TV.
VII. Wrap up, questions, evaluations, Join SPROUT!
