Climate Change and Energy Needs: Finding a Path to Sustainability

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Chicago - Kent College of Law Auditorium, 565 W Adams, Chicago, IL 60661
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Armour College of Engineering students are encouraged to join the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) for Climate Change and Energy Needs: Finding a Path to Sustainability, hosted by Maria T. Zuber, Ph.D., chair of the National Science Board. A reception will precede the discussion from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Abstract

To prevent an increase in global average temperatures that would pose unacceptable risks to life on Earth, we must rapidly and significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

If meeting this challenge weren't difficult enough, we must do it while also satisfying the growing global demand for energy: primary energy use is projected to increase by 60% by 2050 due to population growth and rising living standards. Achieving our energy goals will require nothing short of transforming the global energy system within this century. While much of this transformation will depend upon policies that incentivize the deployment of existing low-carbon energy sources, technological innovation must also play a key role in the energy transition by lowering the cost and improving the reliability of renewables and other low-carbon solutions. This seminar will focus primarily on the need for continued energy innovation. It will highlight promising technological developments from MIT and elsewhere in solar and nuclear energy, battery storage, and the power grid, among other areas. The seminar will explain why fusion, the same nuclear reaction from which the Sun draws its energy, may not be as far off as you think and why driving an electric car might not reduce your carbon footprint.

Attendance

To ensure that your attendance at the event is properly recorded in your IIT Engineering Themes Portfolio, please take a "selfie" and email it to engineering@iit.edu, including your A#. Attendance is free, but registration is strongly encouraged. Seating is first-come, first-served.


Earn Engineering Themes Credit in energy by attending this event.