Honors

Energy & Environment, Policy & Social Justice 2008-2009

Energy & Sustainability: Western Style

This ThinkTank was grounded in the observation that a revolution in renewable energy systems is emerging quickly upon the world scene and that Western North America is superbly well positioned to participate in its development. Students explored how doing so will increase the possibility of pursuing sustainable patterns of development as the United States sets aside its reliance on hydrocarbons and recalibrates relationships among social groups and with our planetary home. Students also studied how climate change, peak oil, and renewable energy technologies present challenges to the organization of energy production, conservation, and use worldwide. The Energy and Sustainability Think Tank launched a collaborative research project for students to explore energy/sustainability issues and implement a related project in collaboration with mentors and community members. The project included a historical and contextual analysis of the contemporary energy situation, normative perspectives on energy and sustainability, and technical, political, and developmental possibility.