Faculty Spotlight: John Williams
Adjunct Professor John Williams will teach “The Geography of Environmental Justice and Sustainability” this fall.
John E. Williams is a Harlem-based urban historian, geographer, and professor with roots deep in the South.In addition to being an adjunct professor Sustainable development (SUMA) program and he is currently the Associate Director of Student Affairs at the Climate School.
Williams’ forthcoming book project — tentatively titled “Beyond Barriers: Race, Mobility, and Transportation Planning in Atlanta” — received a Dan Sweet Fellowship Award in Urban Planning, Public Policy, and Economic Development.
his expertise and commitment environmental justice It is critical to the mission of the SUMA project – because the pursuit of equity goes hand in hand with the pursuit of sustainability.
What initially motivated you to pursue the field of sustainability?
I have always loved social studies, especially history and geography. I’m a child of the “Captain Planet” era, and my friends and I continue to call ourselves “Planetary Engineers.” My interests in maps, travel, highways, mobility, historic preservation, and the impact on people and society naturally lead me towards sustainability. The field is so vast, I have plenty of room to explore all my interests and more.
What drew you to the Sustainability Management Program at Columbia’s School of Climate and Professional Studies?
As a geographer, I was naturally drawn to the Earth Institute. During graduate school at Teachers College, I worked on undergraduate life at Lerner Hall, and I would notice the Earth Institute banner because I often passed Hogan Hall on my way down Broadway. Long story short, I did my research and managed to find and access great opportunities at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. In addition, as a graduate of Florida A&M University, the premier historically black college and university (HBCU) in the United States, I was attracted by SPS’ Columbia HBCU Scholarship. The MS in Sustainability Management and the Sustainability Science Program provided me with all of this connection and sense of purpose.
What class will you be teaching this fall, and what excites you most?
I will be teaching Geography of Environmental Justice and Sustainability (SUMA PS5888) and I am excited about everything about this course. First, I have a good chance to design it the way I want. It bridges many of my interests and research areas. We’ll explore topics and research that are closest to me. I look forward to providing students with the origins of the environmental justice movement in the United States and then connecting it to numerous current sustainability topics. I also look forward to exploring the environmental justice work being done across the country. I’m excited to offer a different perspective and really dig into the breadth of sustainability.
What changes would you like to see in the future in the field of sustainability?
I would like to see the field continue to expand to cover more and more underserved communities. In doing so, more people will better understand the impact they are having in protecting and saving our planet. Sustainability will help create healthier, safer communities for future generations to live and thrive in.
What advice do you have for students pursuing careers in sustainability?
keep it open. explore. Sustainability is the future. Sustainability is all-encompassing and through this work you can accomplish, achieve, change the world and save our planet!
