Net Zero 2050

There is consensus among climate scientists that we need to prevent the earth from warming by more than 1.5°C to avoid experiencing the most severe consequences of Climate Change. This requires decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. Achieving this goal requires unprecedented, rapid, and far-reaching transitions in energy, industry, buildings, transportation, land-use, and cities. This will be one of the greatest scientific, industrial, economic, political, and societal challenges that humanity has ever faced. We know that this will be a monumental task, but how exactly can this be done? In this course, students will learn the physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science behind the solutions to the Climate Change crisis. They will address questions such as:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different renewable sources of energy? What are the associated costs?
• How can we store energy so it is available when it is needed most?
• How can we electrify the transportation sector?
• How can we design homes that produce all the energy they use, with enough left over to meet our personal transportation needs?
• How can we remove carbon from the atmosphere?

Students in this course will be engaged in a variety of laboratory and research projects. They will develop their data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They will work independently and collaboratively, with the end goal of creating a detailed plan for how to decarbonize our economy and society. This course will help to prepare students for their future and allow them to take advantage of new career and business opportunities.