UC San Diego now requires all students to take a climate-related course as part of their graduation requirements, reflecting growing concerns about preparing future generations for the impacts of climate change.
Katharine Gammon reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- UC San Diego’s new climate course requirement will affect about 7,000 students starting with the class of 2028.
- Courses must cover at least 30% climate content and address topics like scientific foundations or human impacts.
- This initiative is part of a broader trend in education as universities respond to climate concerns.
Key quote:
“If they’re thinking about the future, they need to be prepared for what the future might bring.”
— Sarah Gille, physical oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Why this matters:
Educating students on climate change equips them to face environmental challenges in their careers and daily lives. The curriculum is aligned with a societal shift toward addressing climate impacts in policy and professions.
