Climate Action Planning

Advocate for a sustainable future locally, nationally and globally.

Through a dedication to sustainability and a commitment to positive change, the innovative and impactful Climate Action Planning emphasis teaches you how implement tactics to reduce climate change and its effects both now and in the future. In this program, you’ll start by building a comprehensive foundation of environment and sustainability principles from ecological and political perspectives. You’ll then apply this knowledge to understand the implications of climate change on both major and minor scales, learn how to create and implement policies, advocate for change, and help work toward environmental resilience.

Climate Action Planning Requirements

Emphasis

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

1

Top Skills

Advocacy
Environmental Policy Awareness
Environmental Science
Management
Public Policy Awareness
Research

2

Career Pathways

Chief Sustainability Officer
Climate Change Policy Analyst
Compliance Manager
Conservation Scientist
Environmental Restoration Planner
Fish & Game Warden

Latest News

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  Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

  Recognition demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence Western Colorado University is excited to announce that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) voted at its July 18…

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  Western Graduates Named to Forbes 30 Under 30

  Enabling Equitable Energy Solutions An effort to bring critical solutions to renewable energy has landed two Western Colorado University alumni on a prestigious list of…

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  Mountaineers Recycle Solar Panels to Save Money, Expand Access

  As part of an Environment and Sustainability (ENVS) capstone class at Western Colorado University, the Equitable Solar Solutions project is Western-born and serving its community…

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Faculty & Staff

Kate Clark, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environment & Sustainability, Director of Undergraduate Environment & Sustainability program, Graduate Faculty in the Master of Environmental Management program, Center for Cold Climate Food Security Director

Jonathan Coop, PhD

Professor of Environment and Sustainability

Kindra Jesse De’Arman, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability

Matthew Ebbott, MS

Senior Lecturer in Recreation & Outdoor Education and Environment & Sustainability

Karen Hausdoerffer, MFA

Lecturer in Environment & Sustainability, Graduate Writing Workshop Director

Salif P. Mahamane, PhD

Associate Professor of Psychology; Graduate Faculty for MEM, Graduate Faculty and Outdoor Industry MBA

Patricia McCarthy

Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences Administrative Assistant

Molly Murfee, MA

Lecturer in Environment and Sustainability

Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability

Dean

• Micah Russell

• Clark Family School Dean

Undergraduate Administrative Assistant

• Patricia McCarthy

• Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences Administrative Assistant

Graduate Program Facilitator

• Lindsay Dolezal

• Program Facilitator and Grants Administrator

Contact Information

970.943.2248

ses@western.edu

Contact Location

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230