Title: Unit 1 Overview
Course: REEC 120 Sustainability and Renewable Energy > Section: REEC 120 Sustainability and Renewable Energy

Unit 1 Overview

page 1

In Unit 1 we are going to explore materials from the book Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air by David Mackay. You are expected to read two sections this week:

- “Motivations” pages 1- 21
- “Every BIG helps” pages 114 - 117

Now, I fully understand that the book is based on British culture. I chose it for two reasons: it is available online at no cost, and it offers a perspective not jaded in U.S. mentality.These materials cover some big proposals and major thought-producing topics.
The rest of this unit has been adapted from a presentation by Timothy Wilhelm, from Kankakee Community College. We will explore a broad swath of topics and ideas on peak oil and human’s impact on the world. Review the information in this overview before we discuss them in this week’s Live Seminar.

Let me first start off by stating I am a skeptic. The only thing I can say is read as much as you can and make the most informed decision based on the data that you have found. The really tough part is trying to determine truth and making the most informed decision.

In “Motivations” we will explore meaningful numbers as they relate to us as humans and our impact on Earth. There is a positive and negative that each of us provides to Earth. We will explore several questions in the first chapter.