Why%20Take%20ENVS%20350?

1
Why Take ENVS 350?

• The biggest environmental problem facing the
  United States and the rest of the world lies in
  finding a new energy economy, one that is no
  longer dependent upon our dwindling fossil fuel
  resources - in general this problem is not
  recognized as urgent.
• There are many new, emerging career pathways,
  especially in policy, at the intersection of the
  environment and sustainable energy production and
  delivery.
• Too little of this material is taught at the UO.

2
Course Theme

• Ecological Footprint What is the total impact
  of particular choices of alternative energy
  production on both a local and national scale
• There is no such thing as a benign solution ?
  there are only smart choices and stupid choices
• Challenge is to avoid making stupid choices

3
Course Goals

• To gain an understanding of the quantitative
  cost-benefit ratio of various alternative energy
  sources to determine regional feasibility within
  the US
• To understand both the potential scalability and
  implementation obstacles of various sustainable
  energy production technologies
• To do simple calculations regarding the cost of
  energy usage and the required infrastructure to
  deliver a certain amount of power.

4
Perspectives

• In 2006 the US and China were equal in greenhouse
  gas emissions (GHG) at 6 gigatons (GT) per year
  In 2030 the US emissions will be 6.5 GT while
  china will be at 11.5 GT.
• Current US Energy plan relies strictly on
  imported LNG from Iran and Russia
• 1.8 billion dollars per day on gasoline with no
  reinvestment in Green Energy this is beyond
  stupid.
• We have no sensible long term energy plan
• In terms of the electricity generation, the US
  could ½ 50 of its portfolio come from renewables
  by 2030 and 100 by 2050 without the need for new
  technology.

5
Course Outcomes

• If you think we are already doomed (at any time
  in history everyone thinks this) then this class
  will reinforce that outlook
• If you are unaware of the issues, this class will
  show you that viable solutions exist, right now,
  to solve this problem over the next 30 years
• If you become pissed off that we are not doing
  enough then you will become an activist.