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The production and consumption of energy, especially energy based on fossil fuels, is a major source of environmental and social problems in the U.S. and the world, including global warming, air pollution, ecosystem destruction, and economic instability. Continuing growth in conventional energy consumption is not sustainable into the indefinite future and transition to an economy based on renewable energy technologies such as hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy is inevitable. Sustainable Energy Studies is the study of this transition through the perspectives of the natural sciences and the social sciences. Students who minor in Sustainable Energy Studies will be prepared to work as energy policy specialists in government, industry, and education.
The objectives of the minor in Sustainable Energy Studies are:
- To introduce students to the emerging field of sustainable energy studies.
- To prepare students for post-graduate employment involving energy policy.
- To insure that science students understand the social and economic implications of energy technology.
- To insure that social science students comprehend the technological and scientific basis of energy policy.
- To prepare educators to teach about energy science and energy policy.
The minor consists of 15 credit hours.
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