Why Take ENVS 350? The biggest environmental problem facing the United States and the rest of the world lies in finding a new energy economy, one that is no longer dependent upon our dwindling fossil fuel resources - in general this problem is not recognized as urgent. There are many new, emerging career pathways, especially in policy, at the intersection of the environment and sustainable energy production and delivery. Too little of this material is taught at the UO.

Course Theme  Ecological Footprint: What is the total impact of particular choices of alternative energy production on both a local and national scale  There is no such thing as a benign solution  there are only smart choices and stupid choices  Challenge is to avoid making stupid choices

Course Goals To gain an understanding of the quantitative cost-benefit ratio of various alternative energy sources to determine regional feasibility within the US To understand both the potential scalability and implementation obstacles of various sustainable energy production technologies  To do simple calculations regarding the cost of energy usage and the required infrastructure to deliver a certain amount of power.

Perspectives 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 Outcomes If you think we are already doomed (at any time in history everyone thinks this) then this class will reinforce that outlook If you think we are already doomed (at any time in history everyone thinks this) then this class will reinforce that outlook If you are unaware of the issues, this class will show you that viable solutions exist, right now, to solve this problem over the next 30 years If you are unaware of the issues, this class will show you that viable solutions exist, right now, to solve this problem over the next 30 years If you become pissed off that we are not doing enough then you will become an activist. If you become pissed off that we are not doing enough then you will become an activist.