The most pressing issues facing the world stem from complex interactions between humans and the environment. How will we address these multifaceted challenges in ways that will sustainably maintain ecological integrity, economic well-being and social justice at local, regional and global scales? Resolution of these challenges will require new collaborations that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. In response to the recommendations of a University task force, the School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES) at Colorado State University has been established to facilitate innovative, interdisciplinary research, education and communication to address global environmental problems.

Results/Conclusions

As recommended by the task force, SoGES supports research working groups that cross organizational boundaries to generate cutting-edge solutions to real-world problems. Six working groups, composed of faculty from different departments, colleges and universities, are currently funded to tackle tough issues with environmental, economic and social implications. To facilitate educational coordination and innovation, courses of study that incorporate environmental, economic, and social/cultural aspects of global sustainability will be available to students. Certificates and interdisciplinary study programs are also being developed. The Student Environmental Leadership Network (SELN) has been created to establish community connections and promote environmental education. SELN facilitates the dissemination of knowledge among students, clubs and organizations across campus and the broader community. SELN will promote links between students and faculty through educational and research activities. It will provide opportunities for students to lead local projects and apply knowledge gained from their coursework, building the foundation for addressing environmental issues in broader contexts. Community outreach and involvement of students in resolving environmental problems will build strong bonds between the University and the surrounding communities. These connections will engage students and faculty in translating research into action and provide an arena for SoGES affiliates to test ideas for sustainable solutions to pressing problems. These projects will in turn provide an opportunity to engage and educate a broader section of the community on sustainability. SoGES will help identify problems and develop transformative solutions that benefit the environment and society. To address the environmental challenges that will impact the future of human society, SoGES will catalyze the creation of new knowledge and technologies, inform policy and regulation, prepare a new generation of leaders, and contribute to public environmental literacy by integrating the strengths of people and programs across the University.