|
|
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
Geneva, New York • July 29, 2007 - August 3, 2007
2007 CURRENT ISSUE
• INTRODUCTION
• LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
"Alternative/Renewable Energy"
RATIONALE
Decisions about the production and use of energy are critical issues of environmental, economic and social policies
and of individual choice. Decisions about sources and uses of energy are made not only in the halls of national
and local governments, and in corporate boardrooms, but in private homes and individual minds. The environmental,
economic and social outcomes of these choices will shape the future of our nation and our planet.
Efficient use of energy generated from traditional sources and the development of renewable energy resources are
two aspects of energy policy currently the focus of extensive research by state and federal government agencies,
academic institutions and private companies. The fund of knowledge is great, continues to grow, and offers a wealth
of resources for an Envirothon competition.
The present generation of high school students will be asked to make difficult decisions about energy both in matters
of public environmental and economic policy and in matters of personal choices. Providing a structure and materials
for intensive investigation into energy resources and alternatives would be a service to those students and their
schools.
Sustainable, renewable energy is a crucial and intrinsic element of sustainable development. Until energy needs
are met by affordable, environmentally sound means, sustainable development efforts will be greatly hampered.
LOCALE:
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York, site of the 2007 Canon Envirothon, is uniquely situated to
offer access to sites demonstrating a wide variety of energy resources and uses. Within less than an hour's drive
from Geneva, electrical energy generation from small-scale hydropower, nuclear, and coal-fired plants may be found.
Natural gas production can be observed in the area, as can greenhouses heated by methane produced from a landfill.
Trinity Hall on the HWS campus where the 2007 Steering Committee first convened is powered by a combination of
solar and geothermal energy. Cornell University's unique lake-source cooling and heating installation is also within
easy range and worthy of study.
Sites targeted for intensive development of wind-source generation of electricity are part of the local landscape.
Two hours away from HWS are two of the largest wind farms east of the Mississippi. Proposals for off-shore wind
farms in the Cape Cod area have been under study for several years. Canada is also experiencing growth of wind-energy
installations.
|
