The Future of Education

In any consideration of environmental, social justice, economic or political issues, energy plays a key role. Yet many students receive a baccalaureate degree without having any sense of what energy means to our economy and society. Billions of dollars are spent every year by the United States and other OECD countries protecting the supply lines coming from oil rich areas. In the early 70s, even the threat of a slight cutback in oil imports from OPEC countries caused huge lines and gas stations and a disruption of the American economy. Energy literacy is an important component of an informed citizenry.

From global warming to toxic waste to resource depletion, energy is central. This paper describes two courses the author has developed and teaches, Energy and Sustainability and Renewable Energy. They not only teach the fundamentals of energy, such as the laws of thermodynamics, which are essential to understanding its role, but also the social and political context of energy extraction and use.  Enthusiasm for these courses is high among students, and pre- and post-tests show that students have a much greater understanding and appreciation of energy in our society. The paper will also present some of the basic data covered in the courses concerning energy use and availability worldwide, which among other things, shows the great disparities that exist around the world.