HSEV 206 Energy and Climate Geopolitics

There have been multiple inflection points in global energy systems since World War II, some caused by geopolitical conditions and others caused by changes in energy technologies or discoveries. At this moment in history, Russia, the United States and other nations have "weaponized" energy in distinctive ways. This class will examine key developments in geopolitics related to energy and climate change with respect to economics, science/technology, politics, and diplomacy. We will examine a multitude of energy systems, including petroleum, other fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and nuclear power. We will also view developments from a variety of geopolitical perspectives, including Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America. We will explore the roles of NGOs, corporations, and the Vatican in influencing energy and climate progress since the 2015 Paris Agreement. The course will pay special attention to energy technology and policy developments since the 2015 Paris Agreement. We will also cover the rapid evolution of cyber threats and cybersecurity. Guest speakers will be invited to address some classes. This course is for students in the University Honors Program only. It can be substituted for any course in the HSEV (Environmental Studies) track.

Prerequisite

Open only to students in the University Honors Program