Columbia Students Continue Climate Engagement Despite Program Cut
Columbia College Chicago's environmental and sustainability studies program was discontinued in 2024 due to low enrollment, leaving students to explore climate-related topics through individual courses rather than a formal major. Faculty members, such as Professor Elizabeth Davis-Berg, emphasize that while the program's elimination has shifted the structure of climate education, students still have access to relevant courses. The program's teach-out phase ensures that most classes remain available, except for specialized capstone and methods courses. Students like Tyrone King and Izzy Lober highlight the importance of climate awareness and sustainable practices, noting the pressing nature of environmental issues, including extreme temperature fluctuations predicted by the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center. Campus initiatives, such as recycling programs and Earth Week cleanups, continue to foster engagement and sustainability efforts among students.