Teaching about climate and energy solutions: A webinar series

Webinar #1 – A simple model for teaching the energy transition

Presenter: Markham Hislop

Originally aired: October 27th, 2021

For a list of resources mentioned during the webinar session, please click here.

We are living in the midst of another great energy transition — a fundamental part of the present and future for which we are preparing our students. How can we teach this in a relatable and engaging way? Join us in this webinar as we explore a simple model for teaching about the current energy transition and the changes we will experience by 2030. This transition began in the late 20th century with Lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, but picked up speed as thousands of related and supportive new technologies entered the marketplace. The third decade of the transition — in this case, the 2020s — is the period of intense disruption as the new technologies become competitive. Many exciting developments are afoot!

Webinar #2 – Teaching about contrasting energy solutions

Originally aired: November 3rd, 2021

For a list of resources mentioned during the webinar session, please click here.

In decarbonizing our energy infrastructure, how much should we leave to the market? To what degree should government be involved? These are big questions as part of the broader discussion of climate and energy solutions. As such, they are great questions to have with your students. Using Alberta as a case-study, we will explore the dual roles of the market and government, including an in-depth examination of how future electricity systems of North America could be critically important to economic success. We will also provide a structure within which to understand the challenges and opportunities we face in transitioning off fossil fuels to power our grids.

Webinar #3 – How do our current needs fit into the transition?

Originally aired: November 24th, 2021

For a list of resources mentioned during the webinar session, please click here.

How do you teach about decarbonization to students from families who are supported by carbon-intensive industries? The energy transition is an existential threat to the North American hydrocarbon economy, which has enjoyed 75 years of prosperity. How do we continue to have a prosperous economy while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions? How do we help communities reliant on these economies transition to other opportunities, such as turning bitumen into materials like carbon fibre and natural gas into “blue hydrogen”? Fortunately, these important questions have encouraging answers that you can explore with your students as part of visioning a low-carbon future. Join us as we explore the challenges for industry, workers, and governments, as well as the opportunities that could help communities adapt and thrive.

Markham Hislop (in his own words)
I’m a Canadian energy/climate journalist and host of the Energi Talks podcast. I also conduct video interviews with energy experts, write the Markham On Energy energy politics analysis columns, and write about the energy future. I’m frequently interviewed on Canadian radio and TV about energy transition issues.

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