Why Take ENVS 350?Why Take ENVS 350?

The biggest environmental problem facing the United The biggest environmental problem facing the United States and the rest of the world lies in finding a new energy States and the rest of the world lies in finding a new energy economy, one that is no longer dependent upon our economy, one that is no longer dependent upon our dwindling fossil fuel resources - in general this problem is dwindling fossil fuel resources - in general this problem is not recognized as urgent. not recognized as urgent.

There are many new, emerging career pathways, There are many new, emerging career pathways, especially in policy, at the intersection of the environment especially in policy, at the intersection of the environment and sustainable energy production and delivery.and sustainable energy production and delivery.

Too little of this material is taught at the UO.Too little of this material is taught at the UO.

Course ThemeCourse Theme

Ecological Footprint: What is the total Ecological Footprint: What is the total impact of particular choices of alternative impact of particular choices of alternative energy production on both a local and energy production on both a local and national scalenational scale

There is no such thing as a benign There is no such thing as a benign solution solution there are only smart choices there are only smart choices and stupid choicesand stupid choices

Challenge is to avoid making stupid Challenge is to avoid making stupid choiceschoices

Course GoalsCourse Goals

To gain an understanding of the quantitative To gain an understanding of the quantitative cost-benefit ratio of various alternative energy cost-benefit ratio of various alternative energy sources to determine regional feasibility within sources to determine regional feasibility within the USthe US

To understand both the potential scalability and To understand both the potential scalability and implementation obstacles of various sustainable implementation obstacles of various sustainable energy production technologiesenergy production technologies

To do simple calculations regarding the cost of To do simple calculations regarding the cost of energy usage and the required infrastructure to energy usage and the required infrastructure to deliver a certain amount of power. deliver a certain amount of power.

PerspectivesPerspectives• 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.

Course OutcomesCourse Outcomes

If you think we are already doomed (at any If you think we are already doomed (at any time in history everyone thinks this) then time in history everyone thinks this) then this class will reinforce that outlookthis class will reinforce that outlook

If you are unaware of the issues, this class If you are unaware of the issues, this class will show you that viable solutions exist, will show you that viable solutions exist, right now, to solve this problem over the right now, to solve this problem over the next 30 yearsnext 30 years

If you become pissed off that we are not If you become pissed off that we are not doing enough then you will become an doing enough then you will become an activist.activist.