Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time, and young people increasingly want to be part of the solution. Fortunately, there’s a “green” college major to fit everyone, whatever your talents and interests. The climate movement needs scientists, but it also needs communicators, innovators, creative people, and policy experts who can help drive systemic change. If you want to build a career fighting climate change, here are seven “green” degrees to consider:Biology is not only fundamental to understanding the impact of climate change on living systems, it’s also key to addressing the crisis. “Biologists are providing critical information on how climate change is affecting the crops we depend on for food, as well as the impact on endangered species and the spread of infectious diseases,” said Steve Franks, professor and chair of the Biological Sciences Department at Fordham. “They’re also helping to develop ways to reduce climate change by creating innovative and sustainable approaches to agriculture and many industries.”Environmental science majors study the science behind environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. You’ll learn to analyze ecosystems, guide conservation efforts, and conduct research that informs public policy.Students in Fordham’s environmental science program do fieldwork alongside scientists at The Calder Center, the University’s biological field station on 113 acres of protected forest preserve in Armonk, New York. A Fordham student collects water samples from Calder Lake. Photo: Matthew SeptimusYou probably don’t think of environmentalism when you think of business, but the reality is the fight against climate change requires industries to develop more sustainable practices. That means business leaders need the skills to build ethical supply chains, create more environmentally friendly products, and implement corporate responsibility strategies. Students at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business can choose a concentration or minor in social innovation and sustainable business, preparing them to lead profitable businesses that also benefit people and the planet.Gabelli Ignite Scholars visit an ethical and sustainable textile plant in North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Bill SicklesAn urban studies major focuses on the design and management of cities, opening doors to a career in city planning, environmental consulting, or community development, where you can work to create cities that are more climate resilient. “I believe that urban studies programs are becoming more and more important to the climate movement as they provide students with the academic foundation to understand not only how cities can contribute to climate change, but also to develop ways to ameliorate its worst impacts,” said Maria Biskup, director of Fordham’s undergraduate urban studies program.Majoring in international studies can prepare you to combat climate ch
