There is a real need to get students involved with these issues, she says. The notion that environmental scientists, governments or the ever popular someone else will take care of environmental concerns is pervasive in modern society. According to the Sierra Club, an estimated six billion people inhabit the earth today and this number will almost double over the next 50 years, putting extreme strain on the environment. Expecting a handful of groups and agencies to deal with all the issues surrounding the environment is short sighted. Everyone needs to take responsibility for the environment in order to create meaningful and lasting change.
Environmental studies is one avenue for the younger generation to get involved.
In the past, environmental education has been geared exclusively toward the natural sciences, but through the Environmental Studies program students get a multidisciplinary approach. Since students will have an impact on the environment regardless of their major or career path, Fred Montague, professor of biology, wildlife ecology and environmental science at the U. of U., believes that all disciplines need a taste of environmental education. We need economists that have environmental science understanding. We need engineers that have environmental science understanding. We need this sense of perspective for our students, he said.