The Chicago area, despite its urban character, is home to significant biodiversity. Situated at the intersection of the northern boreal forest, prairie, savanna, and dune environments, Chicago is a crossroads for more than just our own species. Here the great eastern tallgrass prairies met oak-hickory woodlands as well as wetlands, savannas, swamps, and other associations, forming a complex mosaic of environments. The long history of human habitation in this region has significantly transformed local environments, but not all pre-contact environments have vanished and local efforts at restoration and conservation have begun to make a significant difference in the extent and health of indigenous plants and animals. Our logo is derived from the Hickory (Carya); local oak-hickory forests are dominated by Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata) and Bitternut Hickory (C. cordiformis).The Program on the Global Environment is part of the Center for International Studies, joining other interdisciplinary programs in international studies, human rights, and national security threats. Components of the new program include the Environmental Studies BA major and minor, the graduate Workshop on the Global Environment, conferences, lecture series and other events, liaison with student groups and the campus Sustainability Council, and public education and outreach. The program hosts visitors and post-doctoral fellows and encourages research collaborations across disciplinary divides.
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Social Life of Forests Conference, May 30-31, 2008
Posted May 16 -
Is Development Sustainable? A Conference in Honor of Ted Steck's Retirement
Posted April 10 -
New 2008-2009 Opportunities for Graduate Students
Posted April 6
MAY
21
WORKSHOP: Title TBA
Cabell King, Divinity School, University of Chicago
JUNE
4
WORKSHOP: Title TBA
Steven Kosiba, Anthropology, University of Chicago
The Program on the Global Environment has a number of opportunities for advanced graduate students specializing in environmental topics, regardless of discipline.
