Why is action by local organizations, governments, and communities critical for energy innovation in the face of climate change? What policies, programs, and technical solutions are being explored at sub-national levels and how are they implemented? This course examines energy and climate innovations at community and local scales to prepare you (students) for professional work on climate change and energy issues at local and community levels - key areas of activity for careers in sustainability, environmental policy, climate change, and resilience.
Students in this course will apply concepts, theories, and analytical skills to case studies and client-focused projects. As communities face the varying challenges of climate change, this course examines both mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change and asks students to think both critically and practically about how to innovate and respond to these local risks. There are many dimensions to climate change, but this course focuses primarily on energy, including renewable energy integration, responses in the electricity sector to changing climate conditions (e.g. wildfires), and infrastructure change. Each week we will explore issues of local and community energy and climate action and engage (when possible) with those responsible for planning and implementing case study projects. Course content will draw from policy instruments and programs (e.g. community choice aggregation, community solar, solarize), local and regional initiatives (e.g. green training programs, resilience hubs), local governments programs or policies (e.g. utility-municipal partnerships, benchmarking, and efficiency standards), and skills for working across diverse perspectives and positions on energy issues.
Assignments will include a client-based project focused on climate planning and local energy policy, developing a role play scenario, personal reflections, and response papers.