25.13 Making Connections

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY

Background: Environmental science is complex because there are no “magic bullets” that solve environmental problems. Each potential response comes with trade-offs. A major goal of environmental science is to identify sustainable choices that reduce our impact in a manner that is socially, culturally, and economically acceptable. Such choices occur in every sphere of society and are everyone’s responsibility.

Case: As an environmental science student, you have learned about the pros and cons of sources of energy from fossil fuels to renewable energy. You have been assigned to draft a proposal for future energy policy on university campuses in your province or territory that will be sent to the provincial or territorial governing body of the higher education system.

1. Be sure to include the following in your proposal:
   1. The number and size of public institutions in your province or territory.
   2. The types of energy that are currently being used on each campus. For example, what type of fuel does the local bus system use? What is the source for electricity production in your provice or territory? Do any of the schools have mechanisms in place to either reduce energy consumption or to generate their own power?
2. Based on your research, what recommendations would you make to the governing body to decrease the quantity of energy consumption and to increase the production of sustainable energy on campuses in your province or territory? In your recommendations, include options for the institutions as a whole and for individuals in those institutions. Remember to consider the location of each institution in your province or territory, and assume there will be money to fund such an initiative.
3. Conclude your report with a section on benefits to the institution and to members of the institution (faculty, staff, and students). In addition to becoming more energy efficient, how will this initiative help your campus?