This page gathers reading and reference material that supports the Challenge 2050 curriculum. The selections track the same five global challenges explored in coursework and Scholar projects: feeding a growing population, rising seas, urban sprawl, rural flight, and clean energy.
The Challenge 2050 Project brings together students, faculty, and community partners to tackle the most pressing global issues of our time. Through a unique interdisciplinary curriculum, participants explore real-world problems that demand creative, adaptive solutions. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are ready to think critically and act responsibly. By connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience, Challenge 2050 empowers undergraduates to become informed decision-makers and change-makers in their communities and beyond.
A central feature of the Challenge 2050 experience is the Great Big Book List, which gathers essential reading and reference materials that support the program's curriculum. These selections track five critical global challenges: feeding a growing population, rising seas, urban sprawl, rural flight, and clean energy. Students engage with reporting, data, and mapping resources that bring these issues to life. This curated collection helps learners build a deeper understanding of the interconnected systems shaping our world and the innovative approaches needed to address them.
Beyond the classroom, Challenge 2050 offers opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through internships, fellowships, and collaborative projects. Scholars work alongside experts in fields ranging from agricultural sciences to clean energy technology, gaining practical skills and professional networks. The program also hosts events, talks, and community gatherings that spark dialogue and inspire action. These experiences are designed to build capacity for leadership and equip participants with the tools they need to drive meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world.
The Challenge 2050 community extends across the University of Florida and beyond, connecting students with partners in industry, policy, and social innovation. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes the power of collective action and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. Whether through coursework, certificate programs, or special initiatives, participants are challenged to think beyond traditional boundaries. This collaborative spirit, rooted in a commitment to sustainability and human well-being, defines the Challenge 2050 Project and its vision for the future.
Feeding 9 Billion
Coverage of the pressures facing global food systems as population grows, drawing on reporting from National Geographic's Feeding 9 Billion feature.
Our Rising Seas
Data and mapping resources on sea-level change, including National Geographic's interactive look at what a fully melted ice sheet would mean for coastlines.
Urban Sprawl
Studies on how expanding cities reshape land use and habitats, referencing National Geographic's environment reporting on urban sprawl.
Rural Flight
Material on the rural exodus affecting developing countries and its consequences for agriculture and communities.
Clean Energy Trends
A roundup of notable green-energy developments, based on NBC News reporting on emerging energy trends.
Why This List Matters
Scholars and students draw on these topics throughout the Challenge 2050 courses, from ALS 2410's look at global uncertainty through ALS 4950's focus on taking action. The list is meant as a starting point for research, discussion, and course projects rather than an exhaustive bibliography.