Our world is faced with a major challenge: how do we simultaneously meet growing global demand for energy without exacerbating the harmful effects of climate change? How did we get here and how do we successfully transition from a world powered predominately by non-renewable, polluting resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, to one powered by clean, renewable energies such as wind and solar? Through an in-depth examination of the history and present state of energy here in the US and abroad, we will begin to unravel how this goal might be accomplished. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to this issue we’ll also come to understand the pivotal role energy plays in our modern world, from politics and economics, to national security and environmental protection, to addressing climate change and sustainability efforts.
