San Francisco State University (SFSU) is making a significant change to its curriculum by introducing a new requirement for incoming students: completing a climate justice course.
This initiative, as reported by KQED, the National Public Radio affiliate in San Francisco, will become effective in fall 2026.
Students will have the opportunity to choose from a diverse array of courses, covering fields like STEM, English, ethnic studies, and history to meet this requirement.
Addressing Urgent Challenges
The decision comes in response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change, a reality that deeply affects people’s lives.
Autumn Thoyre, co-director of SFSU’s Climate HQ, highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues.
Thoyre argues that addressing climate change requires input from multiple academic disciplines and sectors, ensuring students gain a well-rounded perspective on the topic.
The goal is to prepare students to confront the challenges presented by climate change, which is already impacting communities across the globe.
Focus on Climate Justice
Unlike many institutions in the United States that touch upon climate change in their curricula, SFSU stands out for its emphasis on climate justice.
This approach specifically focuses on how marginalized communities face a disproportionate burden from climate-related impacts.
University officials view this focus as a vital enhancement to the educational landscape surrounding climate issues.
Preparing for the Future
Additionally, this initiative is anchored in the understanding that the job market of the future will increasingly intersect with climate-related concerns.
Regardless of their major, students will gain essential insights into the effects of climate change.
SFSU aims to graduate informed citizens who are equipped to participate in climate discussions both in their careers and everyday lives.