Diversity in Academia and Sustainability Science: The STEM Blindspot

Abstract

AbstractIncreasing diversity in organizations has been shown to lead to more open, innovative and productive organizations. Within sustainability science, the need for diverse opinions, experiences and disciplines cannot be overstated. Two of the core principles of sustainability are normative and collaborative competencies that emphasize the need for diverse stakeholder involvement. To solve complicated, societal problems, we need to ensure that voices typically unheard, have a part to play in developing solutions for sustainability challenges. This is becoming even more critical as we see the impacts of sustainability problems being disproportionately felt by vulnerable populations, which often are populated by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). Despite this evident need, our current academic positions in the field of sustainability and environmental science, like most STEM disciplines, are predominantly held by white, male faculty.