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Modern advances of civilization have relied on continuing discoveries
of apparently unlimited quantities of cheap fossil energy. But today,
oil and natural gas are becoming scarcer and more expensive reflecting
increasing geological shortages. To what extent might renewable fuels
such as wind power, solar, hydrogen, biomass, etc., come to our rescue?
What will be the role of unconventional sources of gas and oil? And what
about nuclear power? Will it be conservation that saves the day? Our children
and grandchildren await our answers.
This was a spring course given at the Berkshire Institute for Lifetime
Learning in Massachusetts. Here are the topics covered.
Three Centuries of Civilization – The evolution
of our present golden era from the Middle Ages to the present day. The
strong connection between civilization’s progress and cheap, available
energy.
Oil, Gas, Coal and Their Essential Place in the 20th Century
– The exciting evolution from wood to coal to oil/nuclear/gas
forms of energy.
Global Warming: Do We Yet Know Where the Truth Lies?
– The burning of fossil fuel creates a host of environmental contaminants.
Compelling voices on both sides of the issue of whether we now need
to curtail the use of fossil fuels will be presented.
Nuclear Energy: Blessing or Curse? – Nuclear
energy provides about 20% of electrical energy worldwide yet no new
reactor has been put in service in the U.S. for more than 20 years.
We will focus on recent design progress and the status and substance
of the concerns surrounding nuclear power.
Those “Renewable Energies:” Do We Really Need Them?
– Many forms of energy might be commercialized. The list
includes wind, solar and hydro power, tides, biomass, heat from the
Earth and expanded water power.
Are We on the Threshold of a Major Supply/Demand Crisis?
- Many perceive that we will be passing through “Hubbert’s
Peak” in oil with this decade and that the world’s increasing
demand will no longer be able to be satisfied, even at higher prices.
The world’s oil, coal and natural gas supply and demand will be
examined.
Are There Yet More Golden Eras to Come in the Decades Ahead?
– Can humankind rise to the enormous technical, political, environmental
and economic challenges awaiting us so that our grandchildren will also
bask in the light of this Golden Era?
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October 11, 2008
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