Do you support a "Special Subject GE" in Environment and Sustainability at UCSB? This generation of students will live in a world where global environmental changes challenge the ability of the Earth to sustain human populations. According to the more than 1,300 scientists that contributed to the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment; “…human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of the Earth that the ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted.” Therefore, the Academic Senate’s Sustainability Work Group (SWG) will propose a new GE Special Subject Area requirement focusing on issues related to environment and sustainability next Fall. The new requirement will read: "Environment and Sustainability. At least one course with a substantial focus on humans in relation to Earth’s finite resources."  The proposed requirement is defined as broadly as possible. Like the writing requirement, courses accepted to meet this requirement may be found in every discipline. Acceptable courses may address natural, social, cultural, or technological aspects of sustainability.
 
If you support this "Special Subject GE" proposal please add your name below.  Please indicate your major if possible.