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Climate activism, students holding signs and protesting for the earth
Willamette Cares About

Climate Change

Willamette University gives students the opportunities, resources, and confidence to take on the threat posed by climate change.

Arrow pointing downward
Featured Story
Student Research Takes Environmentalism Around the World

At Willamette, we recognize that climate change isn’t a problem with a single solution. It requires a variety of perspectives and needs to be tackled from every angle. Topics such as environmental science, sociology, data science, politics, art, public health, and law all influence the way we need to think about the climate crisis. 

We believe that every member of the Willamette community can play a role in battling climate change. Opportunities such as research trips, student clubs, specialized classes, and internships allow you to work with your peers and professionals beyond the classroom to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Read our Strategic Plan

Our Community’s Impact
Advocating for Future Generations
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    Preserving Life in Her Homeland

    Laulea Miike BS ’27 took the skills she gained through Willamette’s Environmental Science program home to her native Hawai’i where she studied pollen germination at the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Her work contributed to a project to conserve the island’s native plant life, much of which is endangered.

    Laulea Miike
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    Taking Sustainability Inspiration From the Medieval World

    After a trip to Willamette’s archaeological site at the Ness of Brodgar, Alex Casteel BA ’17 realized medieval turf architecture could be the blueprint for sustainable building practices.

    Alex Casteel
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    Using Tech to Save the Planet

    Alex Weirth BS ’23 MS ’24 joined fellow Willamette alums at Evergreen Economics where he is combining his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Master’s in Data Science to combat climate change.

    Alex Weirth
“We have this amazing faculty that bridges the natural sciences and social sciences. At [Willamette], they’re meshed together in this beautiful way, where we do amazing research in the department and weave it into community action.”
Ella Ashford BS/BA ’25
Ella Ashford
Student Opportunities
Use Your Education to Make a Difference
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    Community Action Fund for Equity and Sustainability

    CAFES funds student-led projects that promote sustainability and equity on Willamette’s campus and the wider Salem community. Projects have included a sustainable flea market, renewable gardens, and accessibility training.

    Students gathering around a community garden
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    Willamette University at Zena

    Willamette’s 305-acre living laboratory gives students the opportunity to pursue research and study the diverse ecology of the Pacific Northwest. Willamette University at Zena is available for class projects, independent research, and club activities.

    A student pointing up at a tree while conducting outside research
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    Work Together to Preserve the Planet

    Student-led clubs like Climate Action Alliance, Forestry Club, and the Outdoor Program gives students the opportunity to connect over shared interests and advocate for the future of the planet.

    A student from WU Growing Oaks talking in front of a scenic background
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    Enhance Your Undergraduate Degree

    Supplement your education with a minor focused on environmentalism. Minor in Sustainability at our Salem campus or Art & Ecology at our PNCA campus in Portland.

    A group of students working together in a classroom discussing ideas
Students sitting in front of rocks and trees with blue sky during an outdoor program at Willamette

Student Projects and Grants

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Study

Climate Change-Related Degree Programs

At Willamette, we equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, like climate change, head-on. Our comprehensive programs infuse activism and sustainability throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates to be constructive problem-solvers and climate leaders.

Environmental Science Major or Minor Sustainability Minor Law Certificate in Sustainable Environmental, Energy & Resources Art & Ecology Minor