The Earth Commons
At Georgetown’s Earth Commons Institute, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences to lead in a world facing urgent environmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on learning, and real-world impact opportunities, you’ll develop the expertise to drive environmental and sustainability solutions across industries. Join an inclusive community that’s shaping a healthier, more just, and sustainable future—on campus, in Washington, DC, and around the world.
Our Programs
From fellowships to joint graduate and undergraduate degree programs and cutting-edge research and public programming,, the Earth Commons’ interdisciplinary environmental initiatives empower the community with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to address global sustainability challenges through science, policy, business and innovation.
Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability
Headquartered on Georgetown’s Capitol Campus, with sites on the Hilltop and research and education initiatives around the world, the Earth Commons—Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability—accelerates action on the most pressing issues of our earth through education, research, and action at Georgetown and beyond.
A Testimonial
I believe deeply in the power of education, research, and community action at Georgetown. At the Earth Commons, we’re pioneering programs that embody this proactive spirit. These programs are not just academic pathways, but incubators for future environmental leaders and changemakers.
Live and Learn at the Earth Commons
“I love learning about the intersection of environmental science and how humans can adjust their actions to be more beneficial than harmful. More than just the processes of how our planet works, this program offers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the processes between people and our environment.”
“We learn together and from each other. It’s a lot of work, but we love the program and the environment — we’re a united front.”
“I want to share stories of how communities have come together to heal themselves and our environment. This degree is already helping me get one step closer to this reality.”
A Community Like No Other
Georgetown University’s Earth Commons builds a vibrant community where students, faculty, and staff connect through hands-on projects, immersive fieldwork, and shared experiences. From harvesting at the Hoya Harvest Garden to global fieldwork and events like the Common Home Arts Showcase, students form meaningful connections while deepening their environmental understanding. Through initiatives like ECo Talks and environmental retreats, the program fosters personal growth, ecological awareness and a strong sense of belonging, empowering students to become changemakers together.
Student Life at the Earth Commons
Earth Commons academics at Georgetown’s Capitol Campus offer students unparalleled access to the heart of environmental policymaking, advocacy and innovation in Washington, DC. By learning just steps away from government agencies, NGOs and global institutions, students gain direct exposure through hands-on learning, internships, speakers and research projects focused on real-world solutions.
When you’re studying environment and sustainability with the Earth Commons, you’re part of something bigger: an incredible, global community dedicated to effecting change for the environment and building a deeper understanding through firsthand experiences.
During Earth Month, the Earth Commons collaborates with groups across campus to host talks, workshops, film screenings, theatrical performances and wellness events like yoga and crafts. Students engage with authors, activists and global voices while hands-on activities inspire reflection, connection to nature and a commitment to environmental action.
ECo Talks bring together experts, thought leaders, and innovators to explore the most pressing challenges facing our environment and to showcase transformative initiatives and research shaping our world. Through a series of engaging seminars, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, share knowledge, and inspire actionable change.
NatureRx is a grassroots movement building upon the growing body of research showing that time spent in nature has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. The Earth Commons has teamed up with campus mental health initiatives to share resources that encourage individuals in the Georgetown community to pursue their own NatureRx—here on campus, in Georgetown and DC, and practices you can use anywhere in the world.
The Earth Commons in Action
At the Earth Commons Institute, students are getting the tools to be effective changemakers in the fight against climate change and for a sustainable future.
Hear from featured writers, poets and activists leading the conversation on how literature can bridge the gap between science and society, amplify frontline voices and reshape our relationship with the…