Sustainability

Geography Department faculty in the sustainability field examine ways in which sustainability issues impact the world, and what it means for our future. Alongside GW-affiliated researchers, our faculty delve into topics including urban sustainability, food security, green infrastructure, energy resources and poverty.

Researchers also focus on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals look to make the future more sustainable and actively address related challenges faced around the world.


Featured Researchers

  • Dr. Mona Atia studies the relational geographies of poverty and uneven development, focusing on the impact of international aid and governmental funding to NGOs as forms of patronage in North Africa and Palestine.
  • Dr. Melissa Keeley investigates the uses of green infrastructure such as green roofs and bioswales for stormwater management in North American cities.
  • Dr. Lisa Benton-Short has recently published the book Sustainability and Sustainable Development: An Introduction. 2023 (Rowman & Littlefield).  This book introduces students to sustainability structured around the 17 UN Sustainability Development Goals.

Faculty in This Focus