Energy and Environmental Constraints
Explore the energy system and its environmental impacts in this quantitative Harvard course. Learn to balance energy needs with sustainability.
Explore the energy system and its environmental impacts in this quantitative Harvard course. Learn to balance energy needs with sustainability.
Dive into the complex world of energy production and environmental sustainability with Harvard's "Energy Within Environmental Constraints" course. This comprehensive program offers a quantitative approach to understanding our energy systems and their environmental impacts. You'll gain insights into various energy technologies, their costs, and their effects on air pollution, climate change, and land use. Learn to estimate monetary costs and carbon impacts, and develop the skills to make informed decisions about energy solutions. The course covers a wide range of topics, including fossil fuels, solar power, nuclear energy, and energy efficiency. By the end, you'll be equipped to ask the right questions and evaluate the consequences of different energy choices. Whether you're a student, policymaker, business owner, or concerned citizen, this course will empower you to think critically about our current energy system and how we can improve its environmental performance while meeting global energy needs.
4.2
(57 ratings)
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What you'll learn
Understand the basic engineering, environmental science, and economics of our energy system
Gain a working knowledge of various energy technologies and their applications
Analyze the environmental impacts of energy systems, focusing on air pollution, climate change, and land use
Learn techniques for estimating monetary costs and carbon impacts of energy solutions
Evaluate the pros and cons of different energy sources, including fossil fuels, solar, and nuclear power
Understand the basics of electric grid operation and emerging changes in the sector
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 10 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the global energy system and its environmental impacts. Students will learn about various energy technologies, their costs, and environmental consequences. The curriculum covers fossil fuels, renewable energy sources (with a focus on solar power), nuclear energy, and energy efficiency. Participants will develop skills in cost estimation, environmental impact assessment, and decision-making regarding energy solutions. The course emphasizes a quantitative approach, teaching students how to evaluate the economic and environmental trade-offs of different energy options. By the end of the course, learners will have a solid understanding of the complexities involved in balancing energy needs with environmental constraints.
Introduction
Module 1
Energy Overview
Module 2
Estimating Costs
Module 3
Environmental Impacts
Module 4
Fossil Fuels
Module 5
The Electric Grid
Module 6
Solar Power
Module 7
Nuclear Power
Module 8
Demand Reduction and Efficiency
Module 9
Conclusion
Module 10
Fee Structure
Instructors
1 Course
Research Fellow Advancing Energy and Environmental Education
Daniel Thorpe, Research Fellow in Energy and Environment at Harvard University, has dedicated his career to understanding and teaching about climate change mitigation and energy systems. His research focuses on critical environmental challenges, including the land use impacts of renewable energy and the long-term effects of energy efficiency on climate change. As a key contributor to Harvard's "Energy Within Environmental Constraints" course, he has invested over 3,000 hours developing comprehensive educational materials that help students understand complex energy and environmental issues. His teaching approach emphasizes practical understanding of energy technologies, environmental impacts, and economic considerations while exploring how people learn about and discuss polarizing topics. Through his work, Thorpe combines technical expertise with a deep interest in fostering productive dialogue around challenging environmental issues, particularly focusing on efficient and appropriate climate change mitigation strategies.
1 Course
Pioneering Climate Scientist Advancing Geoengineering and Environmental Solutions
David W. Keith, a distinguished scientist bridging physics, climate science, and public policy, has established himself as a leading voice in climate engineering and environmental technology. After earning his Ph.D. in Experimental Physics from MIT in 1991, where he created the first working atom interferometer, he has built an extraordinary career spanning groundbreaking scientific achievements and practical climate solutions. His early work included developing a high-accuracy Fourier-transform spectrometer for NASA's atmospheric measurements. As founder and board member of Carbon Engineering, he pioneers direct air capture technology to combat climate change. His academic career has included positions at Harvard University as Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics and Professor of Public Policy, where he founded and directed the Solar Geoengineering Research Program. Recently moving to the University of Chicago in 2023, he leads a major program studying geoengineering with up to ten faculty members. Keith's contributions have earned him recognition as one of TIME magazine's Heroes of the Environment, while his research continues to shape global discussions on climate intervention strategies and environmental policy.
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4.2 course rating
57 ratings
Frequently asked questions
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