The National Academy of Science defines sustainability sciences as "an emerging field dealing with the interactions between natural and social systems and how those interactions affect the challenge of sustainability: meeting the needs of present and future generations while substantially reducing poverty and conserving the planet's life support systems."

Challenges associated with water quality, a changing climate, air quality, habitat diversity, and struggling rural communities exist worldwide. There are significant opportunities to positively impact social, economic, and environmental goals through renewable energy, development of more sustainable urban infrastructure, and reconnection of the farm with the community, but a knowledgeable workforce is needed to address such complex issues and implement change.