Energy Systems for Decarbonization: Fossil Phase Out, Zero Carbon Buildout, and the Future of Energy

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

“Energy Systems for Decarbonization” is a lecture-based class primarily targeted at undergraduates. It is designed to introduce you to our energy system as it currently exists, then to the work we have ahead of us to transform it for justice and decarbonization to address climate change and other issues. Energy systems are crucial drivers of both social and environmental outcomes. Structural transformation of both supply and demand side energy systems is necessary for climate change mitigation, with a number of other major implications that will vary based on the transition approach. Transforming these systems in a way that centers justice and human dignity is possible, but not guaranteed. This course will cover both supply and demand-side energy systems, including fossil, nuclear, and renewable fuels, and buildings, transportation, industry, and infrastructure energy uses, with an emphasis on what exists today and what would need to happen for decarbonization to proceed. The course will also address policy and emphasize cobenefits and disbenefits of specific paths forward, for US and international contexts.