Dim the Lights and Take the Energy DeCal!
As we continue to deplete our resources—and pollute our air and water in the process—the challenge to satisfy our energy needs continues to mount. How will our generation respond? The Energy and Sustainability Decal (ENERES 98), which will be offered in Spring 2021, aims to provide students with the tools to analyze alternative paths to a sustainable future as well as introduce a broad range of perspectives in the energy field.
For those interested in learning more about energy systems, renewable generation, and the intersection of energy and environmental justice, the lectures will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5:30pm PT. Facilitated by Kathryn Wilson and Emily Turkel with Dr. Daniel Kammen as the faculty advisor, the course is tailored to all majors and backgrounds and assumes no prior technical or political/economic experience.
This 1-unit course covers topics including sustainability on the Cal campus, how energy is generated and distributed, carbon sequestration, residential energy usage, sustainable agriculture, and much more! Each lecture gives an overview of a new topic, and at the end of the semester, students will have gained knowledge on a multitude of the energy sector’s most pressing issues. Students will also be placed in project groups to research an energy topic of their choice and teach the class about the topic, which serves as a way for students to explore their own interests and learn from each other.
The course also focuses on career-building, offering an impressive series of guest lectures throughout the semester. This past fall, the course featured guest speakers from SunPower, Genentech, the California Public Utilities Commission, Carbon180, Brightline Defense, NuScale Power, and Brown Girl Green. Energy & Sustainability seeks to integrate environmental justice into each lesson, with regular discussions about energy accessibility and a just transition to clean energy.
The course facilitators understand that, as a DeCal, it is important to prioritize student’s voices and sovereignty to foster a positive learning environment. The DeCal offers a weekly anonymous course feedback form for students to suggest ideas for lectures and give feedback on course content. In previous semesters, students rated the class a median score of 9/10, meaning students felt engaged and interested during class.
Anonymous Student Testimonials from weekly Anonymous Course Feedback Form:
“Class was great, and I love the welcoming atmosphere.”
“I liked that y'all covered a more controversial topic today. I enjoyed discussing the ethical ramifications of carbon sequestration in breakout rooms.”
“I thought it was interesting to see how building certifications are given and organized by authoritative bodies.”
“It was interesting learning about how hydroelectric energy is used widely throughout the world but has come with many detrimental effects to the environment and people.”
“I loved learning about these ‘controversial’ forms of energy production. There is so much room for development within the industry and learning the basics behind the benefits and consequences allows for better innovation.”
About the course facilitators:
Kathryn Wilson is a junior studying Society & Environment with minors in Energy & Resources and Education. Her experience as the Energy and Water Conservation Coordinator for the Housing and Dining Sustainability Advocates has made her an expert in residential energy usage at UC Berkeley, and she is passionate about the ways in which people can find ways to reduce energy consumption in their daily lives. Kathryn has also worked as a Sustainability Fellow for UC Berkeley Residential Student Services Programs, reporting on energy billing and auditing residential and dining halls.
Emily Turkel is a senior studying Conservation & Resource Studies with a minor in Public Policy. She has experience working as a Federal Energy Policy Intern at Carbon180 as part of the Cal Energy Corps program, developing innovative energy policy. Emily has also been involved in the Brashares and Macaulay labs at UC Berkeley as a research apprentice studying land use change and climate change. As part of her major, she is specializing in energy systems and is extremely knowledgeable in energy policy, as well as renewable generation and utilities.
