1. I. I.Solid Wastes B. B.Alternatives 3. 3.Composting Removing metal and newspaper Aerobic – Decomposition with frequent agitation (faster) Anaerobic – Decomposition without agitation (slower)

2. Source: EPA

3. I. I.Solid Wastes B. B.Alternatives 3. 3.Composting Pro: Decreased volume of waste Compost useful for mulch, lightening soil, improved water retention Anaerobic decomposition  methane that can be harvested as an energy source Con: Requires processing in preparation for composting Requires attention to maintain aerobic conditions Anaerobic decomposition is slow Methane generation is hazardous (fire risk) Methane is a GHG

4. I. I.Solid Wastes B. B.Alternatives 4. 4.Incineration Used extensively in Europe Increasingly common in US, especially where other options are limited (e.g. Northeast) Large municipal incinerators

6. Source: EPA

7. I. I.Solid Wastes B. B.Alternatives 4. 4.Incineration Pro: Reduces waste volume up to 90% Can generate electricity (“Waste To Energy”) Con: Air pollution – hard to anticipate pollutants from combustion of waste (esp. plastics, etc.) Expensive emissions control equipment required Waste ash still requires disposal

8. Source: EPA

11. II. II.Energy US EIA World energy consumption projected to rise 53% from 2008 to 2035 Greatest projected increase in non-OECD countries (85% vs. 18% in OECD countries) What is the OECD?OECD

12. II. II.Energy Energy use in non- OECD Asia (incl. India & China) to more than double by 2035 US EIA

13. II. II.Energy A. A.Conventional 1. 1.Fossil Fuels a. a.Oil Transportation, electricity generation, heating World’s dominant source of energy for past several decades Expected to remain important for next 20 years - Predicted change: 34  29% of total energy consumption through 2035 Greatest consumption by OECD nations, but gap closing 1999 – Non-OECD nations consumed 58% as much as OECD nations 2030 – Projected to use ~90% as much Most of increase from transportation sector (few alternative fuel sources)

14. II. II.Energy A. A.Conventional 1. 1.Fossil Fuels a. a.Oil Benefits Readily available High energy density Inexpensive Existing technology & infrastructure Concerns Combustion releases pollutants (CO 2, NOx, SOx, PM) Extraction harms environment Accidental releases, especially in ocean Energy security – US imports 60% of oil Long-term availability (unconventional sources)

15. Unconventional Sources Oil sands Extra-heavy oil Coal-to-liquids Gas-to-liquids Shale oil Biofuels US EIA

16. II. II.Energy A. A.Conventional 1. 1.Fossil Fuels b. b.Coal Electricity generation (60% of global coal use, 2008) Main fuel source in China for industry Use expected to grow, mostly fueled by Asia, especially China (78% of global growth) and India Benefits Inexpensive Abundant, easy to recover Requires minimal processing Existing technology & infrastructure Concerns Environmental degradation from mining Requires extensive transportation system (rail) Combustion  pollutants (CO 2, PM, Hg, NOx, SOx) Counter: “Clean coal” (requires more processing)