Fossil Free Future and Renewable Energy Exploration

Fossil Free Future

• Exploration of the possibility of a fossil-free future.
• Emphasis on the usage of renewable energy.

Goals for the Week

• Understand global energy production challenges and opportunities.
• Recognition that the USA has potential for improvement in energy practices.
• Discussion on surprising positive developments within the USA's renewable energy sector.
• Optimistic perspective on progress towards sustainability.

Energy Production Challenges

• Global Transformation:
  • An inquiry into the speed at which global changes can occur regarding energy.

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar Energy:

  • Direct Solar Energy: Available continuously but varies by geography and weather conditions.
  • Passive Solar Energy: Utilizes solar energy without mechanical devices to distribute heat.
  • Active Solar Energy: Involves mechanical devices (pumps, fans) for heat distribution.
  • Photovoltaic Cells:
  • Converts solar energy directly into electricity.
  • Eco-friendly with low maintenance in various applications (e.g., rural areas).

• Biomass:

  • Renewable if harvested sustainably.
  • Converted into biogas or liquids (e.g., ethanol).
  • Has historical significance as a fuel source.
  • Advantages: Reduces fossil fuel dependency, utilizes waste, can be carbon-neutral.
  • Disadvantages: Land and water use, potential pollution, deforestation.

• Wind Energy:

  • Currently the fastest-growing energy source.
  • Wind is derived from solar heating; efficiency varies.
  • Major producers include China and the USA.
  • Advantages: Low environmental impact, clean.
  • Disadvantages: Cost, inefficiencies, and opposition (NIMBY).

• Hydropower:

  • Most efficient and widely utilized renewable energy source.
  • Challenges include ecological impact on river systems.

• Geothermal Energy:

  • Utilizes subsurface temperature differentials for heating.
  • High installation costs; leading in energy for countries like Nicaragua.

• Nuclear Energy:

  • Second largest renewable source; controversial due to safety concerns.

• Emerging Sources:

  • Tidal Energy: High initial costs; potential for future viability.
  • Fuel Cells: Produce energy through hydrogen-oxygen reactions.

Global Rankings and Contributions

• Top Renewable Energy Producers:
  Countries like China, the USA, and Germany lead in solar, wind, and hydropower.
• USA Performance in Renewables:
  • Second in both wind and biomass, and significant in geothermal and solar post China.
• Employment opportunities in renewables connected to state-level shifts.

Political and Economic Factors

• Policy Changes:
  • Historical shifts in administration impact renewable energy strategies and funding.
• Investment Trends:
  • Projected spending on renewable energy greatly surpassing fossil fuels.
• Investment in Climate Projects:
  • World Bank's commitment to funding climate action post 2019.
• Tax and Subsidy Considerations:
  • Examine the financial implications of energy sources through taxes and government incentives.

Renewable Energy Goals in New York State

• Targets include achieving significant renewable energy use by 2030 and 2040.

Class Activities and Discussions

• Preparation for debates on renewable energy transitioning strategies.
• Collaborative assessments and closing arguments in classroom settings.
• Discussions around optimism regarding the transition to renewable energy.