ENVR 410 · Energy, Environment, and Society
The role of energy in human societies throughout history and the environmental and social implications of energy use. Coverage of both the science and policy of energy use. Energy supply and demand, energy transitions, analytical tools, impacts, and alternatives. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing in B.Sc., B.A.Sc. or related programs.
Course Content
What is an energy system? In this unit, we will focus on understanding energy from a systems perspective, and its linked technical, social, and natural components. We will explore the scientific and engineering principles behind energy production, introduce ideas from energy policy and politics, and analyze how natural systems are sources of, and also impacted by, energy production and use.
What are energy system consequences? Energy systems are complex and multidimensional. In this unit we outline some of the environmental and social consequences of energy systems, good and bad. We also discuss ways of thinking about these different kinds of impacts together, to support evaluative decision-making about energy systems that considers their technical, social, and environmental dimensions. We explore the strengths and limitations of these tools.
- How do we transform energy systems? Often, our goal isn’t just to understand energy systems, but to transform them—to be more sustainable, just, and efficient. In the final unit, we learn to think critically about what is needed to get us to sustainable energy systems. We consider supply- and demand-side challenges and opportunities, and the levers (e.g., law and policy, technology, public opinion) we have at our disposal.