Ren. Enrgy. Clm. Chng. Dev

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Human development is inextricably connected to the multiple dimensions of economic, political, social and environmental development, most succinctly captured in the now conventional term “sustainable development.” Despite the rise of environmental concerns on the global agenda, development is still often achieved at the expense of the environment. However, while there will continue to be issues that punctuate the need for deliberate reconciliation between “growth” and “sustainability”, we have entered an era that promises to redefine many of the traditional concepts of sustainable development. The provision of energy services is the absolute precondition for everything on the development agenda, from education, health, gender equity, and job creation, to food and water security and democratic governance models. The world is currently experiencing an energy revolution that is sure to affect the multiple dimensions of human development in profound ways. As renewable forms of energy slowly but inexorably supplant conventional forms of energy, the resulting technological system portends significant shifts in social, cultural, economic, and political structures. It is expected that the environmentally sound forms of renewable energy will bring the goals of sustainability closer to fruition in all development areas. The course will explore both the fundamental ways in which energy service delivery affects sustainable development and, in particular, the various claims that a global shift to renewable energy technologies colors the very contours of development practices and the results pursued. We will study the unique technical, socio-cultural, and political qualities of renewable energy systems and assess the extent to which renewable energy technological systems, as many advocates profess, enhance and foment the goals of sustainable development.