ENERGY, WATER AND GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
This is obviously a huge subject. There is no right way to approach it. Nor is there any truly adequate way, by ourselves. In this section, my hope is that we will spend some time considering the complexity of the challenges we face, and that in our consideration of the challenges, we prepare ourselves to lend our part in orchestrating helpful and useful responses. Feel free to bring additional articles or resources to class!
BEGINNING WITH OURSELVES AS HUMANS - BACKGROUND
The first reading is from Harvard professor of mathematical biology, Martin Nowak's book Super Cooperators - Altruism, Evolution and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed. In this chapter, Nowak explains the dynamics of what is known as The Tragedy of the Commons, and presents ideas to reframe the situation. The chapter is called "Harnessing Reputation."
The second reading is from Duke professor of Sociology and Psychology, Dan Ariely's book The Upside of Irrationality. In the chapter, "On Empathy and Emotion," Ariely looks at the impact of rationality on empathy and the implications for how humans deal with large, abstract, distant problems. Ariely also proposes alternative approaches.
THE LIMITS TO GROWTH STUDY
2012 marked the 40th anniversary since the publication of the Limits to Growth study conducted by the MIT Club of Rome.
Click HERE for to a short Smithsonian Magazine article with chart which shows the projections versus the actual data over the past 40 years.
Click HERE for a short video that explains the intent and findings of the MIT Club of Rome Limits to Growth study.
WATER
Please watch the documentary Blue Gold: The World Water Wars. It is on reserve at Lilly Library and available through Netflix.
"The New Oil" for an article from Newsweek.
"Ocean Acidification" a Science article.
A Science article that reviews the complexity of Water Security Research.
"Out of the Mist," a Science article that reports on an innovative approach to reversing the desertification process in Peru.
ENERGY
The energy issue is clearly diverse. The readings here are limited to a few articles that outline the promise and challenge of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as "fracking," and one happy article about using leaves to produce energy.
The Pacific Institute - Full Report on Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Resources.
"The Gas Surge," an introduction to a Special Section by Science.
"Will fracking put too much fizz in your water?" part of the Special Section by Science.
"Artificial Leaf Turns Sunlight into Cheap Energy," Science.
CLIMATE CHANGE
"We Are Terrifyingly Close to the Climate's 'Point of No Return'," from The Atlantic.
"Making Headway Against Climate Change," a Wall Street Journal Opinion by Bai Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.
"Lessons for Climate Change," from The New York Times, by Henry M. Paulson, former Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America.
WATER IN CHINA
"China's Water Crisis - Grand New Canals," from The Economist
"Water Consumption - A Canal Too Far," from The Economist
This is obviously a huge subject. There is no right way to approach it. Nor is there any truly adequate way, by ourselves. In this section, my hope is that we will spend some time considering the complexity of the challenges we face, and that in our consideration of the challenges, we prepare ourselves to lend our part in orchestrating helpful and useful responses. Feel free to bring additional articles or resources to class!
BEGINNING WITH OURSELVES AS HUMANS - BACKGROUND
The first reading is from Harvard professor of mathematical biology, Martin Nowak's book Super Cooperators - Altruism, Evolution and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed. In this chapter, Nowak explains the dynamics of what is known as The Tragedy of the Commons, and presents ideas to reframe the situation. The chapter is called "Harnessing Reputation."
The second reading is from Duke professor of Sociology and Psychology, Dan Ariely's book The Upside of Irrationality. In the chapter, "On Empathy and Emotion," Ariely looks at the impact of rationality on empathy and the implications for how humans deal with large, abstract, distant problems. Ariely also proposes alternative approaches.
THE LIMITS TO GROWTH STUDY
2012 marked the 40th anniversary since the publication of the Limits to Growth study conducted by the MIT Club of Rome.
Click HERE for to a short Smithsonian Magazine article with chart which shows the projections versus the actual data over the past 40 years.
Click HERE for a short video that explains the intent and findings of the MIT Club of Rome Limits to Growth study.
WATER
Please watch the documentary Blue Gold: The World Water Wars. It is on reserve at Lilly Library and available through Netflix.
"The New Oil" for an article from Newsweek.
"Ocean Acidification" a Science article.
A Science article that reviews the complexity of Water Security Research.
"Out of the Mist," a Science article that reports on an innovative approach to reversing the desertification process in Peru.
ENERGY
The energy issue is clearly diverse. The readings here are limited to a few articles that outline the promise and challenge of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as "fracking," and one happy article about using leaves to produce energy.
The Pacific Institute - Full Report on Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Resources.
"The Gas Surge," an introduction to a Special Section by Science.
"Will fracking put too much fizz in your water?" part of the Special Section by Science.
"Artificial Leaf Turns Sunlight into Cheap Energy," Science.
CLIMATE CHANGE
"We Are Terrifyingly Close to the Climate's 'Point of No Return'," from The Atlantic.
"Making Headway Against Climate Change," a Wall Street Journal Opinion by Bai Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.
"Lessons for Climate Change," from The New York Times, by Henry M. Paulson, former Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America.
WATER IN CHINA
"China's Water Crisis - Grand New Canals," from The Economist
"Water Consumption - A Canal Too Far," from The Economist