Subject to Change, Check frequently, Last Updated March 7, 2010
1. January 20th —PART ONE- The Problem. Introduction of the problems, discussion of semester project, class objectives and environmental issues. Watch An Inconvenient Truth.
2. January 27th—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. February 3rd—Views from the Establishment, what do they say about climate change? Understanding vested interests. What happened at Copenhagen? What will happen to US Cap and Trade? Reading: Maslin, 7-10. Dessler, Chapters 1-3.
4. February 10th—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, Dessler, 4-5.
5. February 17th—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 and gas in upstate New York. Also, environmental fear and loathing in the tar sands, chopping off mountain tops, paying the price for cheap coal. Reading: Tucker, Part Two, Chapters 4-8, Friedman, 1-5.
6. February 24th—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. Assigned Reading: Goodell, Chapters 1-5.
7. March 3rd —The Sources continued, The Marcellus Shale Formation and other global sources of unconventional gas. Poisoning water for natural gas...or ignoring a readily available energy source. Friedman, 6-8
8. March 10th—The Sources in transportation, A detailed look at the sector’s contribution to global warming. America’s mess…Are China and India next? A look at tritium? Assignment: Goodell, Chapter 6-Afterward, Friedman, Chapters 15-17. Mid-term to post on blackboard, due in class on April 14th.
March 17th—(Spring Break, no class scheduled, have fun!)
9. March 24th—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
10. March 31st—Conservation. A look at the asset light strategy of Amory Lovins embraced by President 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, how about a smart grid? Presentation from the Alliance to Save Energy. Biofuels / Ethanol / Hydrogen: Are these technologies a solution to the energy problem, or are they a waste of time and money? Are they a solution to the environmental problem as well? Assigned Reading: Bradford, Chapters 6-Afterward, Tucker 9, 13-16.
11. April 7th—Take home midterm in lieu of class today. Midterm due April 14th.
12. April 14th—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. Midterm Due.
13. April 21st—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, Assigned Reading, Tucker 22-Epilogue, Friedman, 9-14.
14. April 28th—Last class, review, student presentations. Wrap-up, Final? Class trip?
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