About SAGE

SAGE answers are researched and written by upper division undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in EARTHSYS 200 Environmental Communication in Action: The SAGE Project, taught by Kathleen Phillips. The course, sponsored by the Earth Systems Program in the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences, combines in-depth investigation of the scientific, technical and social aspects of environmental sustainability with an exploration of the theory and practice of communicating complex, sometimes contested material to a broad public audience.

Throughout the quarter, each student selects two questions submitted by our readers to research and answer. The best answers are published here and with our other publishing partners. They range from the existential ("Are we doomed"?) to the theoretical ("How can we encourage people to live in more environmentally conscious ways?") to the specific and pragmatic ("Dishwasher or hand washing?"). We strive to provide the most accurate, readable and useful answers around. Environmental Communication in Action is offered every Fall, so send in your questions now!

SAGE answers are edited and prepared for publication by graduate students in the Earth Systems coterm MA in Environmental Communication, directed by Thomas Hayden, Professor of the Practice. These students are fully immersed in the theory and practice of communicating environmental information to a variety of audiences and work on the SAGE project through a graduate practicum course, Editing for Publication, taught by Thomas Hayden and Kathleen Phillips.

Both courses are based in Stanford's School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences, and SAGE is hosted by Stanford magazine and the Stanford Alumni Association. SAGE students come from diverse backgrounds, including the Earth Systems program, the School of Engineering, and the Graduate Program in Journalism.