Environmental conditions are key to the long term survival of all species on planet Earth, not just those that affect humans. Issues such as anthropogenic climate change, water availability, degraded water quality, and loss of species diversity are of universal concern, yet they are all of immediate, local concern in northern Georgia. These concerns include situations such as the very rapid growth of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is putting increasing environmental pressure on the northern Georgia region, the threats brought on by invasive species, etc.

NGCSU is located in a transitional area, between the metropolitan sprawl of Atlanta and the relatively uninhabited regions of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This unique location, coupled with the interests of many NGCSU faculty members, make NGCSU an ideal institution for carrying out basic and applied research in environmental science, grounded in the local area.

Some of the goals of the Environmental Leadership Center are:

• Serve as a vehicle for acquiring grants to support basic and applied research in environmental science and leadership,
• Bring together faculty from NGCSU and other institutions to collaborate on fundamental and applied environmental research projects,
• Provide opportunities for students to be involved in meaningful undergraduate research experiences related to environmental science,
• Reinforce and augment the teaching of leadership as it applies to environmental issues,
• Serve as a focal point for the formation of partnerships with individuals and groups interested in environmental issues and environmental leadership,
• Provide opportunities and support for faculty interested in adding an outdoor element to their classes or programs,
• Serve as a repository and clearinghouse for environmental data, equipment, techniques, and expertise.