This text is designed to help prepare the next generation of transdisciplinary environmental professionals. Rather than focus on only the natural science or social science aspects of these issues, this text stresses the importance of bridging the gap among disciplines.  Sustainable solutions to complex environmental problems must consider the biological, chemical and physical components of the ecological system, but they must also factor in the influence and impacts of humans as a part of this system.  How humans contribute to, are impacted by, and can work towards solving environmental problems are central to the work environmental professionals do. Given this reality, you need to consider stakeholder perspectives, economic considerations, cultural values, governance and policy implications as a part of the process.

All 12 units in this book use the same basic structure, employing the same tools and frameworks to identify solutions to complex environmental issues.  Exposure to, and practice with, these disciplinary frameworks will prepare you to apply your understanding of natural sciences within the context of complex socio-ecological systems. While you will work to understand the problems presented, the focus will be on working towards finding a sustainable solution.

It is important to understand that what is presented in each of these units is part of a much more complex issue.  There may be additional factors involved that we may not discuss in the text.  Be prepared to apply your own understanding of these systems to better inform your choice of a solution. Similarly, there may be other possible solutions that could be considered.  You will have a chance to reflect on such alternatives as you work through each unit, including an opportunity to flesh out and propose your own alternate solution versus any of the three  solutions we present in the text.

Each unit focuses on a different environmental issue with a specific challenge for you to address. Working with your classmates, you will build your foundational knowledge around this issue before exploring and comparing three possible solutions to address your challenge.  Your final objective is to explain and justify your chosen solution using clear science communication techniques.

Unit components: Each of the 12 units in the book is comprised of the following elements: 

• Background information to build your foundational knowledge about the focus issue, including how it is related to climate change. Throughout this section you will find links to additional resources to explore important topics.
• An introduction to your specific Unit Challenge, including the three options you’ll consider as solutions and the relevant facts and assumptions you’ll need to consider when choosing a solution. 
• Discovery activities, which require you to explore the scientific literature and share the background information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
• Analysis exercises, where you work at rotating stations on data sets to examine the evidence around each of your potential solutions; and 
• Solution evaluations, during which you compare the pros and cons of each of your three options and solicit input from stakeholders before you make your final choice. Note that while we provide three practical solutions for each challenge, you may choose to flesh out and propose a solution of your own as well.

Your final task will be to summarize your recommendations to solve the environmental issue and address your Unit Challenge in a concise Fact Sheet that can be broadly shared with a diverse group of key stakeholders. 

Throughout the book, you’ll see links connecting you to a variety of information sources. Some of these are from the peer-reviewed literature, but many are from the gray literature, including state, federal, and international agency and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) reports. While you should always treat the gray literature carefully and be wary of such issues as bias, these sources can often yield useful information as you tackle your Unit Challenges. 

Professionals rarely tackle and solve environmental issues on their own; they’re almost always part of a team. Not only are many different disciplinary backgrounds needed to find the best solution but having a broad sounding board helps improve the chances that innovative approaches will be considered and the best option will ultimately be chosen.  While tackling the Unit Challenges, you’ll have ample opportunity to interact with others on this issue.    

Ultimately, working on project-based climate-impacted challenges like these will allow you to build your skills as an environmental professional.  Through these examples, you will see that climate change and its impacts on the natural world and human populations can be tackled.  The key is to work collectively and collaboratively on tangible issues we can directly address.  In aggregate, these efforts can “move the needle” on climate change and help to build a brighter, more sustainable future.