In the face of escalating environmental crises—from catastrophic fires and hurricanes to the heartbreaking extinction of species—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and pessimistic about our futures. Yet, I find myself filled with hope. As Dean of The Earth Commons at Georgetown University, my role isn’t just to observe these challenges. To the contrary, my role is to help create a wave of change and optimism to tackle them. To me those two things go hand in hand.
At the Earth Commons, we’re pioneering programs that embody this proactive spirit. We’ve introduced innovative degrees in environmental management & sustainability as well as international affairs, alongside a unique undergraduate program that combines environmental science, policy and the humanities with the practice of sustainability. These programs are not just academic pathways but incubators for future environmental leaders and changemakers.
Our faculty work on cutting-edge interdisciplinary environmental research – from studying the Earth’s atmosphere to life on the ocean surface to how green transitions succeed or fail – we are building a community of scholarship and education at Georgetown and beyond. Each lecture, every class and research project we undertake in The Earth Commons is infused with an ethos of possibility and positive change.
I see our faculty and students energized and ready to tackle the challenges before us. I see the optimism and the grit of our students and faculty. I see the tireless efforts of our staff in service of this mission. I believe deeply in the transformative power of education, research and community action at Georgetown.
In short, our work gives me hope—and that is a gift.
Hoya Saxa!
pete marra
Dean, the Earth Commons, Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability
Laudato Si’ Professor | Biology and the Environment Professor | McCourt School of Public Policy
I believe deeply in the transformative power of education, research and community action at Georgetown.
Who we are
Georgetown’s Earth Commons Institute is a hub for environmental and sustainability education, research and action to accelerate change on the most pressing issues of our earth.
What we do
Education
faculty hires
joint degrees
ec o around the world
Faculty Hires Joint Degrees
Environmental sociologist professor
BS in Environment & Sustainability (BS-ES)
We will prepare the next generation of leaders in Environment and Sustainability through this undergraduate degree focused on hands-on learning, interdisciplinary perspectives, immersive experiences, personal development, and a diverse and hopeful community invested in wider transformation.
joint partner : when : Georgetown University Beginning Fall 2024 College of Arts & Sciences
Sustainable business associate teaching professor director, ms-esm
The Master of Science in Environment and International Affairs (MS-EIA)
The new degree provides interdisciplinary training at the intersection of environmental science and international affairs to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policy expertise.
TAYLOR JONES
Environmental scientist, engineer, GIS remote sensing assistant professor
ORISSA MOULTON
Coastal ecologist associate teaching professor
joint partner : when : Georgetown School of Beginning Fall 2024 Foreign Service’s Science’s Science, Technology, and International Affairs program
TIM BARTLEY
KERRIE CARFAGNO
Master of Environment & Sustainability Management (MS-ESM)
The MS-ESM program welcomed a larger second cohort of this degree that blends scientific knowledge with business principles to achieve critical sustainability goals around the world.
joint partner : McDonough School of Business, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
when : Launched Fall 2024
Victorino, a Maijuna elder, shows Mae Gleeson ( g’23) how to weave irapay, a palm used for thatching homes in the Amazon.
photo courtesy of patrick biché.
ECo Around the World
Global issues require global solutions. The Earth Commons seeks to build hubs around the world for innovative education, applied research, and practical solutions.
below:
Using small motor boats to traverse the crisscross of streams and rivers in the Amazon.
photo courtesy of brian griffiths
In 2023, the Earth Commons hired the foundational teams to develop new partnerships and programs at global sites.
Greece
Greece is well-suited as a potential Earth Commons hub given its rich biodiversity, strong academic and research networks, cultural and historical global significance, and unique regional influence at the crossroads of three continents. Our ECo Greece team is partnering with academic and research institutes and planning educational experiences—including for Georgetown undergraduates—to drive forward action on the climate crisis and other environmental issues.
Qatar
The Earth Commons and Georgetown University Qatar have developed a teaching and research collaboration in the critical areas of climate, environment, and innovation. Soon, GU-Q students will have the opportunity to study in Greece with Georgetown faculty.
Expeditions Abroad
in the amazon
ECo Faculty Dr. Brian Griffiths led a team of over 20 researchers, including three Georgetown students, on a multi-week expedition deep into the Amazonian jungle to trek out into the wilderness each day alongside the Maijuna tribe to set up cameras to record wildlife activity.
in the yucatán
Students explored the ecology of tropical forests and mangroves and their connections to the culture of the current and pre-European Mayan communities. Researchers and local community shared their perspectives on realworld environmental and sustainability issues, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the challenge of balancing human needs with environmental health.
above:
Students visit a traditional Mayan home in Dzonot Carretero, Mexico.
photo courtesy of peter p. marra
Research
ec o faculty & network
ec o impact awards
ec o postdocs
ECo Faculty & Network
We identify, connect and support those in the Georgetown community furthering research and leadership around environment and sustainability.
ECo Faculty Network members
headlines
It’s Time for a Flu Vaccine—for Birds
Avian influenza has killed millions of birds. Shots to prevent it already exist. Why isn’t the entire poultry industry using them?
WIRED, MARCH 8. FEATURING EC o DEAN PETE MARRA
Home Sweet…Garbage?
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is Teeming with Life.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is teeming with life. A dynamic group of organisms, from star-like jellies to industrious snails, is thriving within the immense mass of floating debris.
We finally have malaria vaccines. The next hurdle: Distributing them
Malaria kills half a million people a year in Africa. We can prevent that — if we act fast enough.
Cosmic Luck: NASA’s Apollo 11 Moon Quarantine Broke Down
A review of archives suggests that efforts to protect Earth from contamination by any organism brought back from the lunar surface were mostly for show.
NEW YORK TIMES, JUNE 9. FEATURING
EC o FACULTY NETWORK MEMBER DAGOMAR DEGROOT
Climate Change Is Helping Pests and Diseases Destroy Our Food.
Crop shortages from grains to cocoa are exacerbated by pests. Higher temperatures expand spread of insects and diseases.
IN BLOOMBERG FEATURING EC o FACULTY
NETWORK MEMBER LEAH BUCHMAN
Oppenheimer revealed the human and political sides of science.
J. Robert Oppenheimer and the science he oversaw reshaped the world — but the political and cultural forces of the day also shaped the science he pursued.
IN AXIOS FEATURING EC o FACULTY
NETWORK MEMBER TOSHIHIRO HIGUCHI
VOX, JUNE 11. FEATURING EC o POSTDOC OSWALDO VILLENA.
ECo Impact Awards
The ECo Impact Awards provide seed funding for Georgetown faculty across schools and campuses to support environmental and sustainability projects. These awards aim to foster new collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and actionable initiatives, making Georgetown a greener and more vibrant institution.
recipients
Building green futures in arid lands: Energy transitions and paradoxes of sustainability in Morocco and Namibia.
SILVIA DANIELAK, MEREDITH M c KITTRICK
Developing a population model to quantify Bottlenose Dolphin abundance in the mid-Chesapeake Bay.
JANET MANN, VERENA CONKIN, DANIEL LINDEN, ERIC PATTERSON
Exploring nanoporous Cu-based bimetallic foams as novel electrocatalysts for mitigating environmental stressors.
KAI
LIU, YUYE J. TONG, DEJUN CHEN
The impact of temperature on vector-borne disease transmission in staple crops.
OSWALDO VILLENA, ALI ARAB, PETER ARMBRUSTER
update:
How Impact Award recipients have put their grants into action
• The pollinator garden is flourishing led by Professors Adriane Fugh-Berman, Martha Weiss, and Bill Hahn
• Professors Dagomar Degroot, John McNeill, and Amy Hessl are co-editing The Oxford Handbook of Resilience in Climate History
• Professors Joanna Lewis, Emanuela Del Gado and postdoctoral fellow Ankita Gangotra published an analysis of how policy changes can incentivize technology solutions for decarbonizing cement production and bring the US cement sector’s production up-to-par with other major cement-producing nations
• Professors Sheila R. Foster, Meryl Chertoff, and postdoctoral fellow Elena DeNictolis and their collaborators presented three white papers exploring the history, state and local law aspects, and international comparative aspects of energy democracy at Georgetown Law
• Professors Sarah Stoll, Chris Albanese, Ed Van Keuren are in the preliminary stages of an innovative study to understand how environmental exposure to nanoplastics could adversely affect animal health by studying their effects in zebrafish
ECo Postdocs
TOM IWANICKI is a sensory ecologist studying the neustonic zone, the crucial and often overlooked layer of the ocean’s surface
ELIZABETH KARAN is developing an apparatus for monitoring disease in marine mammal populations
STEPHEN BOURGUET is working to improve our understanding of the emissions and lifetimes of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gasses in ECo Professor Megan Lickley’s lab
Action
hoya harvest garden
voices on the environment
we hear you: a climate archive
action headlines
common home
office of sustainability
Hoya Harvest Garden
ECo's campus urban farm
Designed to create a sense of shared responsibility around food systems
produced over
1,600 lbs
(equivalent to 6,500 servings) of fruits and veggies to feed our community!
8 classes have participated in hands-on learning
Home to community events, including:
hoya harvest festival
The Earth Commons and collaborators hosted the community for food and drinks, music, art, crafts, and all things fall on Regents Hall, Fourth Floor Patio, 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022
the breaking ground festival
We gathered to celebrate the start of spring and to “break ground” on the Hoya Harvest Garden. Students, faculty, and staff gathered for free food, music, local vendors and seed planting.
planting parties & yoga in the garden
The community regularly comes together to prepare the Hoya Harvest Garden for the upcoming seasons while enjoying brunch and yoga in our very special green space on campus.
Voices on the Environment
A series of events at the intersection of science, the humanities and the arts that link environmental journalism, literary writing, activist performance, and critical approaches to climate change, the environment, and language
Ferry Tales
Storytellers shared tales at The REACH and Georgetown Canal woven from community interviews, science, local history and legend with passengers and passers-by. Featured as part of the RiverRunFestival at the Kennedy Center, and in partnership with Caitlin Cassidy, Earth Commons Artist-in-Residence, and The Lab for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University.
Dr. Robert Bullard: The Father of Environmental Justice Speaks.
The Earth Commons and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences proudly welcomed Dr. Robert Bullard, the “Father of Environmental Justice” for a public lecture followed by a panel discussion with Professor Sheila R. Foster and a Q&A at the ICC.
Art Meets Science — Artist Talk with Rebecca Rutstein.
The Earth Commons and Georgetown University Art Galleries presented a talk with multidisciplinary artist Rebecca Rutstein, who works at the intersection of art, science and technology. For over twenty years she has created paintings, sculpture, interactive installation and public art inspired by the natural world. Her work with oceanographers, ecologists, microbiologists, molecular scientists and geologists give her a unique perspective and a broad view of the interconnectedness of systems in the natural world and the fractal geometry of nature.
The Grab: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
In partnership with the DC Environmental Film Festival and Film and Media Studies, the Earth Commons and Voices on the Environment collaborators hosted a screening of THE GRAB, directed by Blackfish filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite. The film uncovers the money, influence and alarming rationale behind covert efforts to control the most vital resource on the planet and follows the investigative journalist Nate Halverson.
Surya: A Convening of Earthly Storytellers.
The Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics and the Earth Commons brought together a select group of artists, thought leaders, and changemakers to a special three day convening. This event at the intersection of art and environment enabled us to share in one another’s work, grapple with critical questions, and build a community for mutual inspiration to imaginatively restore power to the Earth.
above:
Author Amitav Ghosh speaks at the 2022 Voices on the Environment collaborative series in Gaston Hall
We Hear You: A Climate Archive
We Hear You: A Climate Archive is a global performance project co-founded by Caitlin Cassidy, Earth Commons Artist-in-Residence, that explores youth perspectives on the climate emergency. Between March 2022 and June 2023, the project commissioned 77 young people from around the world to tell stories about what it’s like to be alive in this pivotal moment. In addition to digital events and archival efforts, the world-premiere production of select stories is scheduled for April 2024 at Dramaten (Sweden’s Royal Dramatic Theatre). The project also features curricular engagement with students in Washington, DC, Stockholm, and beyond.
Through theater, she's reigniting a sense of wonder: Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, ECo artist-in-residence, believes play-acting can inspire environmental awareness through wonder.
THE GRIST, 2023.
UN High Seas Treaty Promotes Ocean Protection.
UN member countries reached an agreement that aims to promote accountability for the protection of marine wildlife and biodiversity in international waters. "We only really have two major global commons — the atmosphere and the oceans," said Georgetown marine biologist Rebecca Helm. While the oceans may draw less attention, "protecting this half of earth's surface is absolutely critical to the health of our planet."
NPR, MARCH 5, 2023.
COP27: Georgetown Community Acts on Climate Change at UN Conference. Georgetown students, alumni and staff participated in international climate negotiations and hosted artistic and policy events at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. THE HOYA, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022. opposite:
We Hear You – Greta Thunberg's Speeches
photo by jacob bengtsson
Common Home
Article Highlights
The synergy between the arts and the sciences: representing the wonders of the natural world through visual art
A Conversation with visual artist Rebecca Rutstein, who spoke at the Georgetown University for the “Voices on the Environment” series.
ELYZA BRUCE (CAS ‘25)
An Australian Firefighter on the Frontlines of Climate Change
A conversation with an Eastern Australian firefighter about his unique perspective witnessing the devastating effects of wildfires on human life and wildlife.
ANTHONY GREENE , AUSTRALIAN FIREFIGHTER
Breaking Down the Social Cost of Carbon: Where our measurements fall short
The Inflation Reduction Act is the biggest legislative step the U.S. has ever taken to tackle climate change—and it requires an accurate measurement of the social cost of carbon.
RAPHAEL CALEL ,PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN THE MCCOURT SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY
Seven Reasons to Learn About Energy
Dr. Maria Petrova lays down seven reasons to learn about our energy system and how we can act to improve it.
MARIA PETROVA , PH.D. DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, THE EARTH COMMONS
Drought-Stricken, Arizona Farmers Face Bleak Growing Season
Green Commons Award recipient Anya Wahal shares her insights on the dynamics of the water crisis unfolding in the American Southwest.
To conserve biodiversity, we must stop chasing ghosts and start making plans
Biodiversity conservation requires passing legislation like the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, revamping existing international treaties, and investing in research.
PETER P. MARRA , DEAN OF THE EARTH COMMONS AND DAVID B. HUNTER PROFESSOR OF LAW AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW
2023 Arts Showcase: People, Water, Land
The Common Home showcase called upon photographers to express their views on the environment and sustainability through original, compelling photography that carries a striking message and sparks discussion. For the second year of our showcase, the theme was, “People, Water, Land."
People Category
opposite:
Dawn Diversion”
BRIAN GRIFFITHS
SADIE MARSMAN
Water Category
top honors
below:
“Humpback
Whales”
JOHN MATUSZEWSKI
“The Ecosystem Home”
KATHERIN VARGAS HENAO
Land Category
below:
“Woman
Picking up Yak Excrement”
ZHENGHAO WANG
right:
“Boats of Ha Long Bay”
JEAN-PAUL NGUYEN
Office of Sustainability
Georgetown plays a leading role in addressing critical sustainability challenges through its academic mission, physical footprint and financial operations. The university takes an integrated and holistic approach to sustainability, placing value on a "quadruple" bottom line: people, planet, prosperity, and purpose, guided by our Catholic and Jesuit values and our commitment to the common good.
Recent highlights include:
• Developing Georgetown’s sustainability plan to create a shared vision for sustainability at Georgetown
• Issued Sustainable Building Guidelines that have informed projects across the university.
• Partnered with internal departments on projects including green dining improvements with the return of front of house compost and reusable containers at Leo’s with Auxiliary Business Services and Aramark.
• Launched more sustainable coffee service and water service options for offices on campus with the Procurement team.
• Launched the Hoya Transit Pilot providing thousands of students with credit towards sustainable public transportation.
• Revived the annual Move Out Drive together with the Office of Neighborhood Life, diverting almost 70,0000 pounds of materials valued at nearly $250,000.
• Developed sustainability tips available on the Office’s website.
• Launched the Green Office Program to provide guidance on creating sustainable spaces on campus.
• Co-convened and contributed to the planning of the 2023 White House Forum on Campus and Community-Scale Climate Change Solutions.
