Earth Commons Greece
The Earth Commons Greece is a global extension of Georgetown University’s Earth Commons Institute established to address environmental challenges in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. As a hub for environmental and sustainability innovation, research, and education, we aim to support solutions to pressing issues in Greece and the Mediterranean while fostering global partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Our Vision
With global expansion as a key strategy, the Earth Commons has chosen Greece as the location for its first international hub due to the unique range of environmental challenges it faces—including to its urban systems, biodiversity, protected ecosystems, climate health, and water resources—and also due to the country’s strong academic networks, cultural and historical global significance, and regional influence at the crossroads of three continents. Through ECo Greece, Georgetown is building partnerships and driving innovation to address global environmental issues from the heart of the Mediterranean.
Our Goals
Our Impact
Priority research areas
Biodiversity
Supporting practitioners and scholars protecting Greece’s rich biodiversity and working to address and advocate against any threats to protected areas.=
Fragile island ecosystems
Interdisciplinary research on marine and coastal ecology as well as creative solution-making for the complex web of threats faced by Greek islands.
Water
Amplify the work of local environmental organizations and the public sector in addressing the national water scarcity crisis fueled by climate change, over-extraction, droughts and mismanagement
Urban commons
Engaging students, researchers and expert practitioners to collaborate on innovative solutions to environment and sustainability challenges in urban systems including climate adaptation, extreme heat, and behavioural science.
Arts
Humanize the climate crisis through performance, storytelling, and dialogue around environmental justice, civic responsibility, climate anxiety and planetary well-being.
Reports & Stories
Program Stories
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All, ECo Greece, International, University Stories
Snorkeling Through Science and Self: Two Weeks in Greece
Saroosh Zahid is a rising junior at Georgetown University-Qatar, pictured above third from left. As I walk down the most recent lane in memory town, I can’t help but smile at the thought of…
July 14, 2025
All, Announcements, ECo Greece
Event Recap: Climate Change and the Security Implications for Greece and its Neighbors
Last week, the Earth Commons Greece and the Columbia Athens Global Centre co-hosted a panel discussion titled “Rising Temperatures, Rising Tensions: Climate Change and Security Implications for…
February 24, 2025
All, University Stories
MS-ESM Students Tackle Sustainability Projects Through Partnerships With Earth Commons Greece
In the spring, the program collaborated with three major Greek companies on projects that provided real-world experience for students and valuable insights for the companies.
December 10, 2024
Intern Dispatches
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All, ECo Greece, Intern Dispatches, International, University Stories
The Intern Dispatches: Big Ideas and Tiny Moments
Zoe Gutherman (CAS’27), a BS in Environment & Sustainability Student at Georgetown University, reflects on her summer abroad with the Earth Commons Greece. My participation in the Earth…
September 15, 2025
All, Intern Dispatches, University Stories
The Intern Dispatches: Field Notes from the Island of Owls and Oranges
I am happy to finally be back home to see my family and friends. But there is no doubt I miss the life I lived in Crete. Sometimes, when I’m sitting in my car, I’ll get flashbacks to memories…
April 8, 2025
All, Announcements, Intern Dispatches, International, University Stories
The Intern Dispatches: Owl Pellets and First Impressions from Crete
Diane Li (C’26) explores an internship with ECo Greece at the Labs and Collections of the Natural History Museum of Crete.
January 30, 2025
Reports
Read allECo Greece, Reports
Explore the second update from ECo Greece, which includes student testimonials, capstone projects, events, biodiversity and conservation partnerships, and more.
December 1, 2024
ECo Greece, Reports
Explore the first update from ECo Greece, which includes the first joint ECo Greece course, participation in the international Our Ocean Conference, visits to Greek universities, and student capstone projects.
July 1, 2024
Courses
Sensing Marine Ecosystem Health & Climate Impact from Space
This joint course between Georgetown’s Earth Commons Institute and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens immerses students in the field of oceanography, with an emphasis on the impacts of climate change on global marine ecosystems. Students learn how to analyze satellite-derived data to explore the effects of climate change on phytoplankton biomass and the broader marine food web.
Adaptation in a Climate Change Hotspot
This course offered with Georgetown in Qatar led by Dr. Raha Hakimdavar offered an immersive exploration of climate change impacts in Greece, combining academic study, hands-on fieldwork, and independent research to develop practical solutions for environmental challenges including marine plastic pollution, water management on the Cycladic islands and sustainable tourism.
Our Team
Laudato Si’ Professor, Biology and the Environment; Professor, McCourt School of Public Policy
Managing Director, ECo Greece
Director of Partner Relations, ECo Greece
Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography at the Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens