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The Department of Geography and Environment at UNC Chapel Hill is committed to promoting diversity and a climate of inclusiveness in faculty, staff, and student body. We have a particular focus on historically underrepresented groups, but also are attentive to the broader questions of diversity that include attention to economic status, gender, sexuality, and ability.
Read our full faculty statement on diversity and our diversity committee’s mission statement. See also our June 2020 statement on anti-racism, our December 2018 and November 2019 statements on the confederate monument known as Silent Sam, and our March 2021 statement regarding violence against Asian and Asian-Americans across the U.S.
The Department of Geography and Environment at Carolina brings a unique perspective to the study of some of our world’s most pressing issues. Geographers integrate physical science, social science, and the humanities to study social and environmental patterns and processes on the earth’s surface. From analyzing regional dynamics of climate change, hydrology, vegetation, and biodiversity to investigating new global structures of work and labor, religion, public health, our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research at one of the top geography departments in the country.
Explore our programs, see where our alumni are now, and find out how geography can help you get where you’re going. Geography just released its 2023 newsletter on Mother’s day! Please click here to download.
Events
Department of Geography and Environment Statement on the “No Peace Without Justice: A Round-Table Talk on Social Justice in Palestine” public event on November 28, 2023.
This event was co-sponsored by the Department of Geography and Environment and intended to provide a scholarly and civil forum that brings learning and understanding of the historical context for the current violence in the Middle East. The appalling remarks made by one of the speakers at the event do not represent the position of the Department of Geography and Environment. We condemn all forms of speech advocating for violence or prejudice.
No university funds were used for the event and no panelist was compensated. Students were not required to attend.
Please see Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz’s statement and the message from the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences regarding the event.
There are no upcoming events at this time.
News
Nina Martin appointed to the Durham Workers’ Right Commission
Nina Martin has been appointed to the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission, where she will serve a two-year term representing the interests of low-wage workers. The Committee advises the Durham City Council on issues related to workers’ rights, including the following: … Read more
Nina Martin quoted in The Indy on the fate of downtown Durham
With Rising Rents and Recent Closures, Can the City of Durham Act Quickly Enough to Save Downtown’s Local Businesses?
Dr. Amanda DelVecchia’s research featured by UNC Research
The latest piece by UNC Research (story and video) featured Dr. DelVecchia and her research group. https://endeavors.unc.edu/a-stream-of-data/
Dr. Olson Joins The Well Care Project to Enhance Mental Health Support for Carers Across Europe
The Well Care Project aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of informal carers and long-term care workers through the identification, evaluation, and promotion of good practices across Europe. The Department of Geography and Environment and the College of … Read more
Careers
James Ellsmoor
BA, Class of ’16
Founder, Island Innovation
“UNC Geography was my entry point into understanding the world and trying to make it a greener place. Now I am using these skills to implement sustainable development projects in island communities around the world.”
Ella Koeze
BA, class of ‘15
Graphics Editor For The New York Times
“My GIS classes at UNC were the first time I ever truly thought about the power of visualizing data, which is now the basis of most of my work.”
Claire Strack
BA, Class of ’21
Public Health Analyst at RTI International
“My training in spatial data science taught me many of the R skills that I now use on a near-daily basis to prepare and analyze spatial data. My exposure to spatial data science began with the course GEOG 215 where I applied the knowledge from the course under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Delamater. The technical background and problem-solving skills I gained from these experiences have played a crucial part in preparing me for my current role.”