Energy in Human-Environment Interactions Dr. Julia K. Steinberger

Today’s course plan Introductions name, background, interests Practical & administrative information Course wiki Course-related information Grade requirements Student questionnaire Discussion on course topics and presentation topics General overview

Class schedule MonthOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuary Date: Weds Class # 8,22 1, 2 5, 19 3, 4 3,17 5, 6 14,28 7, 8 Class times: 9 AM – 12:15 PM Break 10:30-10:45 Structure: lectures, then presentations, then overall discussions

Class online Class website: What is a wiki?. 1.Same principal as Wikipedia (which you are encouraged to use and participate in!): common interactive knowledge resource. 2.Sign-in (after I have sent you your invitation). 3.Then you can modify the pages, upload files, and so on. 4.If you want to modify a page, click “Edit this page button” top and center 5.Remember to SAVE your changes!!! Content: Lecture presentations References Links Discussions or common work space? Up to you.

English + specialized vocabulary Please always stop me when you don’t understand a word or a concept (or I’m speaking too fast)

Questionnaire and grade Fill out questionnaire Goal is to target class at your level and your interests Requirements for positive grade Participation (interest, discussions, questions) A class presentation (single or group) Final short essay (2-4 pages, topic of your interest within the class topics) Presentation topics to be determined soon

Grade requirements 1. Participation in seminar 30% 2. Class presentation (1/2 hour + discussion) 35% 3. Short essay (2-4 pages) on class topic of your interest 35%

What is energy? Why are you interested in studying it?

Course topics A) Energy in our environment: energy on planet earth, energy flows in ecosystems B) Energy and the human body: food, fuel & work C) Energy and agriculture: energy return on investment, various types of agriculture Hunter gatherer, traditional agriculture, modern agriculture Biofuels vs. food? D) Energy and the economy: intensity, efficiency, the rebound effect E) The efficiency gap: implementing efficiency, principal-agent problem. F) How can we reduce energy consumption? Demand-side management G) Household level energy use H) Urbanization and energy use: Is a return to the land possible or desirable, in energy terms? Influence of urban planning I) Energy and society: societal requirements, links with standards of living Quality of life implications of energy over-use and under-use J) Energy and climate change Effectiveness of specific measures Climate change and international relations/development