Overview
With your group, choose an environmental problem — big or small, local or global — and prepare a presentation to deliver in class. Your goal is to clearly communicate the problem, explore how it is being or could be solved, and connect solutions to the education you need as a sustainability engineer.
Format
6–8 minutes for your presentation, followed by a couple minutes of Q&A. Every group member must participate in the delivery.
Presentation Structure (4 Slides)
Your presentation should follow this four-slide structure:
Example Environmental Problems
Here are some topics to spark your thinking. You are not limited to these — choose any environmental problem that interests your group.
Climate & Energy
- Carbon emissions from a specific industry
- Renewable energy transitions
- Energy access in developing countries
Water
- Water scarcity and allocation
- Water quality monitoring (connect to the Lume lab!)
- Groundwater depletion
- WASH in developing countries
Waste
- Plastic pollution
- Electronic waste
- Circular economy solutions
- Food waste
Biodiversity
- Deforestation
- Ocean acidification
- Habitat loss
- Invasive species
Urban
- Air pollution
- Urban heat islands
- Sustainable transportation
- Green infrastructure
Local (Boulder)
- Boulder Creek water quality
- Wildfire risk and mitigation
- Drought resilience
- Sustainable campus initiatives
Tips for a Strong Presentation
- Lead with human impact. Don't just cite technical details — help your audience understand why this problem matters to real people and communities.
- Use credible data. Include statistics from sources like Our World in Data, IPCC, WHO, or EPA.
- Show real solutions. Highlight examples of solutions already being implemented somewhere in the world, not just theoretical possibilities.
- Be specific about education. Name actual CU courses, programs, research labs, or opportunities rather than speaking in generalities.
- Practice your timing. 6–8 minutes goes faster than you think. Rehearse at least once as a group and time yourselves.
Logistics
- Prepare the presentation on something accessible on the web during class (e.g., Google Slides, OneDrive).
- Submit as PowerPoint (.pptx) to Canvas by 5 PM the day before your presentation so the instructor can review it.
- Be available and prepared to revise your presentation between submission and class the next day if the instructor provides feedback.
- All group members should be ready to present and answer questions.
Grading Rubric
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Content | |
| Accuracy and depth of information about the environmental problem | 2 |
| Thoughtfulness about the solution — feasibility, evidence, real examples | 2 |
| Thoughtfulness about educational preparation — specific courses, experiences, pathways | 2 |
| Presentation | |
| Clarity of visual presentation — slides emphasize visuals over text | 1 |
| Clarity of delivery — well-organized, confident, engaging | 1 |
| Appropriate use of allotted time (6–8 minutes) | 1 |
| Full participation of all group members | 1 |
Total
10 pts