GEOL 116-01, Global Environmental Change, Spring 2007

Abstract

In this study of global environmental change, we will emphasize the concept of energy. It will be seen that energy obtained from fossil fuels is limited since fossil fuels are not renewable – when they are burned, they’re gone. In addition when we burn them the products released are often damaging to the environment. We will look at various measures that may be taken to increase the time span available for use of this type of energy, while making its use less harmful to the environment, and will study the development and implementation of sustainable, alternative energy sources. Along the way there will be separate lectures on such topics as the greenhouse effect, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain and El Niño.