New York University
School of Continuing and Professional Studies
M.S. Program in Global Affairs
Energy and the Environment, Y45.2400
Summer 2011, Monday/Wednesday 6:00-9:00pm
May 13, 2011
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Gadomski
http://www.smidirect.net/nyu
OFFICE HOURS: Mondays by appointment
OFFICE PHONE: 914.993.9060
Email: gadomski@nyu.edu
Course Calendar--Please check frequently as our schedule may change.
1. May 23rd —PART ONE- “The Problem.” Introduction of the problems, discussion of semester project, class objectives and environmental issues. Watch An Inconvenient Truth.
2. May 25th —Setting the stage environmentally…Is global warming/climate change for real? Discussion of an Inconvenient Truth…What do Al Gore’s detractors say? Has the discussion moved passed him. Setting the stage for urgency. Is the science, and are the numbers, plausible? Does the message get across? How do people respond? Reading: Maslin, Chapters 1-6, Hansen, Global temperature change. Be prepared to discuss your views in class.
3. May 30th—Memorial Day (Class to be rescheduled for May 27 or June 3rd) Views from the Establishment, what do they say about climate change? Understanding vested interests. Reading: Maslin, 7-10. Goodell, Chapters 1-5.
4. June 1st— Global Warming/Climate Change—Fact or Fiction, What does 550 ppm mean? Spelling out greenhouse gases—what are they, which ones are the worst, from where do they come. How will public sentiment affect government policy? Reading: Tucker 1-3, Smith, pp1-19.
5. June 6th —The Environment vs the Environment…It is not just about the Air. Park Lands for the People? Sierra Club against solar? Open Space vs, Energy security and clean air—the battle over wind in upstate New York. Also, Environmental Fear and Loathing in the Tar Sands. Paying the price for cheap coal. Reading: Tucker, Part Two, Chapters 4-8, Smith, pp20-46.
6. June 8th —“PART TWO—The Sources—Power Generation” Getting technical, Let’s take a close look at coal and natural gas. Understanding the technology, emissions, and looming solutions. How real are gasification options like IGCC and pulverized clean coal technology? Introduction to Carbon Sequestration. The Sources In Transportation, A detailed look at the sector’s contribution to global warming. America’s mess…Is China next? Assigned Reading: Goodell, Chapter 6-Afterward.
7. June 13th—The Sources Continued, PART THREE--The Solutions- Solar Energy, Wind, Biomass for Power Generation. What about renewables? Understanding these technologies. Are the technologies a panacea? Can they do the job, or are we kidding ourselves? Should the market or government decide their fate? Assigned Reading: Bradford, 1-5, Tucker, Chapters 10-12, Gadomski, http://www.smidirect.net/published/gimmeshelter.htm. Gadomski, http://www.smidirect.net/published/catchthecredits.htm
8. June 15th—Conservation. A look at the asset light strategy of Amory Lovins embraced by Preseident Obama. Recognizing the importance of using less energy. A penny saved is a penny earned, a kilowatt hour saved, is less CO2 emissions. Discussion of Conservation strategies, discussion of strategies to address a low carbon future. Presentation from the Alliance to Save Energy. Assigned Reading: Bradford, Chapters 6-Afterward, Tucker 9.
9. June 20th —Biofuels / Ethanol / Hydrogen Are these technologies a solution to the energy problem, or are they a solution to the environmental problem as well? Assigned reading: Tucker, 13-16.
10. June 22th —Nuclear Energy—Is it part of the solution, or part of the problem? An in depth discussion on the pros and cons of nuclear power based upon its CO2 contribution to the environment. Also, a discussion on waste. What to do with nuclear waste? Assigned Reading, Tucker 17-21. Term Papers Due.
11. June 27th —Revisit Carbon Sequestration/ Is there a sense of Urgency What role will carbon trading play? Isn’t it really smoke and mirrors? In class student presentations: TBD, Review the International Panel on Climate Change Report,http://arch.rivm.nl/env/int/ipcc/pages_media/SRCCS-final/IPCCSpecialReportonCarbondioxideCaptureandStorage.htm, Assigned Reading, Tucker 22-Epilogue, Friedman, 9-14. Last class, review, student presentations. Wrap-up, Final?
12. June 29th —Field Trip floating class. I am trying to arrange a field trip to one of the PSEG/Con Edison/Entergy power generation facilities. In the event that there is no field trip, we will have a take home final which you will email to me.