Sustainability (SUST1-GC)

Energy is a central to our daily lives and understanding energy systems is critical to addressing major challenges of the 21st century including climate change, economic and social development, and global security. Access to modern, clean affordable energy is an essential building block to poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. A fundamental transformation of the current energy system will be required over the coming decades to reduce the risks of catastrophic climate change and ensure the world’s population can be sustained at adequate levels of economic welfare without damaging the wellbeing of future generations. The United Nations offers a shared blueprint for sustainability and prosperity for all peoples and the planet. This agenda centers on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) that define the fundamental goals for sustainability. But driving concerted action to radically restructure the global energy system and to achieve the goals for global sustainable development requires a massive mobilization of peoples, policies and practice. In this course, students will be introduced to foundational knowledge needed to understand the policies and frameworks that can deliver sustainability solutions and promote the energy transition. The course will begin with an overview of energy systems and sustainability policy to elucidate how sustainability and energy transition concepts and targets are determined by governments, stakeholders, and private industry for different sectors and then offer a deeper dive into specific policy levers that can be used to drive new technologies, system transformation, and radically different pathways for economic development that are informed by sustainability.

The dynamic nature of sustainability means that innovations, policies, and technologies will emerge that are unexpected and cross conventional boundaries, which do not fit within existing courses and deserve specific and detailed study. This 'special topics' course will explore a particular breaking development or theme relating to Sustainability and Global Energy Practice. As such, it will only be offered occasionally, when circumstances demand. Students taking an Advanced Colloquium, though, can expect not just to grapple with contemporary events but also to engage actively in conversations both outside as well as within the class and play a role in furthering the common understanding of the world around us.

This course provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research and apply their knowledge to address contemporary challenges in sustainability and global energy practice. Students will develop and execute a comprehensive research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The course will emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. Students will use research design to develop a well-defined research question and design a rigorous research methodology. Students will engage in data analysis by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods. Through literature reviews and other methods, they will critically evaluate existing research and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the field of sustainability and global energy practice. By completing this course, students will be prepared to address the complex challenges facing our planet and contribute to a more sustainable future.