Stony Brook University is intensifying its efforts to create climate-focused academic programs aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills for a workforce impacted by climate change. On November 4, faculty, staff, and university leaders convened at the Collaborative for the Earth's second town hall meeting to discuss potential new program offerings and explore opportunities such as engaging faculty mentors, developing interdisciplinary degree programs, and partnering with climate-focused organizations.
Heather Lynch, director of the Collaborative for the Earth and endowed chair for ecology and evolution in the Institute for Advanced Computational Sciences, highlighted the importance of preparing students for job changes brought about by climate change. "All of these companies have to think about the sustainability of their own businesses or what impact climate change might have on their business. So, we are preparing students for real jobs, and we want to train students to have those skills," she stated.
Kevin Reed, Stony Brook's associate provost for climate sustainability and chief climate scientist at The New York Climate Exchange, emphasized aligning academic programs with student interest and employment data. He noted that sometimes this alignment requires updating existing programs rather than creating new ones. “Sometimes that requires new programs, or not reimagining, but updating existing programs,” he said.
Paul Shepson, Dean of SoMAS (School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences), mentioned exploring an expansion from a BS in biology to offering a BS in environmental biology. Catherine Sherman, assistant dean of University Honors Programs, also saw opportunities to revise the Honors College curriculum to involve faculty mentors guiding capstone projects related to environmental analysis.
Lynch stressed that cross-departmental collaboration would be crucial in developing these programs. "We’re going to have to pull together departments across campus to build these really interdisciplinary degree programs that meet the needs of the future workforce," she said. Proposed initiatives include a one-credit pop-up course titled "Climate Change and You," set for Spring 2025, alongside experiential learning opportunities both on- and off-campus.
The New York Climate Exchange has been expanding its staff since Stony Brook became an anchor institution in April 2023. This growth includes offering internship opportunities where students can gain hands-on experience in climate research. The organization plans a new facility on Governors Island expected to open in 2028.
Lynch expressed hope that Stony Brook’s approach will exemplify forward-thinking aligned with global climate action needs: “Addressing climate change is going to take a collaborative effort from all corners of Stony Brook,” she concluded.
— Alexander Noll and J.D. Allen