Timmons Roberts — Ittleson Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology, Executive Director of the Climate Social Science Network and head of the Climate and Development Lab — took the 13 undergraduates enrolled in ENVS 1574: “Climate Policy Research: Organizations and Obstruction” to D.C. for a whirlwind week of participatory learning this past November.
Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
Date
January 10, 2024
ENVS students immersed in climate issues during their Washington, D.C. visit
Course instructor Timmons Roberts has made a tradition of bringing students to the capital to engage with legislators, Capitol Hill staffers, federal officials, and lobbyists.
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Members of ENVS 1574 got acquainted with Capitol Hill during their trip. Photo courtesy of Christine Baek ’25.
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The group shared their class research with members of Congress and representatives from nonprofits, media outlets and climate organizations. Photo courtesy of Christine Baek ’25.
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Rhode Island Representative Gabe Amo was among the people that ENVS 1574 students connected with. Photo courtesy of Ava Ward '25.
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The group also heard from members of the Climate Action Against Disinformation coalition. Photo courtesy of Ava Ward '25.
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The trip wouldn't be complete without a selfie in front of the White House. Photo courtesy of Ava Ward '25.
Washington-based alumni and leading policy-makers share their experiences, expertise
After a six-hour train ride, the group dined with former members of the CDL and learned about their experiences working and living in D.C. Sessions on climate policy issues, including “Fighting Climate Disinformation Post-Inflation Reduction Act,” and “Reporting on Climate Change Right Now,” engaged the students.
The students also learned from leading climate science experts like Kert Davies, director of special investigations at the Center for Climate Integrity, and Robinson Meyer, founding executive editor of Heatmap News.
Students as D.C. tourists
Even with a full schedule of climate-centric programs, students toured the White House, rode on Capitol Hill’s Underground Shuttle, and visited a holiday market. There was also time for students to get to know one other outside of classrooms, which Environmental Science concentrator Ava Ward ’25 particularly appreciated. “We spent a lot of time reflecting on the future of work in the climate sector,” she said, “and it was quite eye-opening to hear my peers’ perspectives.”