We are living in an unprecedented time. A time of technological progress and environmental degradation, of climate change and pollution, and a time in which our systems and society rely heavily on ever-depleting natural resources. Environmental problems are no longer confined to the field of environmental science-- they impact all disciplines from politics, economics, and health care, to urban planning and engineering. For Duke to achieve its goal of creating diverse, multi-faceted global citizens, it must ensure that all of its undergraduate students are environmentally literate.

Young people are leading the charge around the world for a shift to more sustainable practices. It is time our education system reflected that passion and that acknowledgement of environmental issues and solutions in today's youth.

Environmental literacy is defined as: An understanding about the interconnections and interdependency of ecological, social, and economic systems, with a firm understanding for how the health of these systems influences sustainable practices and the health of human communities, local, regional, national, and international cultures.

Towards that aim, we call on Duke University to establish an environmental Mode of Inquiry graduation requirement so that all undergraduate students understand how their lives, their intended career, and future generations are impacted by the environment and climate change. 

In the words of Zamzam Ibrahim, President of Students Organising for Sustainability in the United Kingdom (at the 2020 U.N. High Level Political Forum):

"We must radically reform the education system in response to the climate crisis and the ecological emergency. Our society is unjust, and a crisis like climate change and COVID-19 only serves to further expose the immense divides that exist already in our communities. So why is it that constantly we see that the most highly educated people are the ones who make the worst decisions for the people and the planet? And I believe our leaders are making bad decisions because they've been badly educated.

It's not good enough that our education system, year upon year produces great graduates who are simply ill-equipped to tackle the challenges that they face . . . Young people understand the intersection between race, class, and climate; we know that education is the key to creating a more just and sustainable future. And that's why we must work together as students, as staff, as academics and educators, as policymakers, to shift the education system. To create educational environments where students are genuinely equipped to tackle the crisis that we face.”

FAQ coming soon!