The Environment 5/2/2012

Learning Objectives Accurately describe the social, economic, and political dimension of major problems and dilemmas facing contemporary American society Use knowledge and analyses of social problems to evaluate public policy, and to suggest policy alternatives, with special reference to questions of social justice, the common good, and public and individual responsibility.

Opportunities to discuss course content Today 11-2

Readings Required – Energy and Environmental Policy (Chapter 10) Dye Optional – Population, Global Inequality, and the Environmental Crisis (Chapter 15) Kendall

PAPER 3

Copy # 1 In Class May 3rd

Copy 2: Turnitin via Blackboard This paper must also be submitted to turnitin.com by 11:59 PM on May 3rd Failure to do this will result in a 5 point deduction on the Paper 3 grade. Don’t leave points on the board

ENERGY

Natural Gas Advantages Cleaner Burning than Oil Easy to Transport and store The United States has known Reserves Disadvantages Cannot Be used for Transportation Still not carbon free Getting at reserves can have negative environmental consequences

The Saudi Arabia of Natural gas?

COAL

Coal We use less now than in past years America is the Saudi Arabia of Coal Easy to Transport Cheap

Problem of Coal: Electricity only (sorry Thomas)

Problems of Coal: Acid Rain

Problems of Coal: Global Warming

NUCLEAR

Nuclear Used to Make Electricity Burns very Clean Can be produced here

Disadvantages Problems of Waste and Storage Very high start up costs R=PxC - has the highest consequences

Renewable/Perpetual

Any New Source Renewable/Perpetual Clean Safe Affordable

Wind Turbines Generate electricity Perpetual Downsides?

Hydro Perpetual Downsides

Solar Energy from the Sun Requires large areas Expensive Start-up

Renewable Biomass Biofuels Geothermal

Conservation Doesn’t provide instant benefits Tradeoffs in convenience It works when it is economically beneficial

Thirty Four years later, very little has changed