Program Series: Climate, Energy, and Environment

The Climate, Energy and Environment (CEE) Series offers events that showcase research in alternative energy sources and fuels, the impact of climate change and environmental tragedies on Earth, and the conservation and sustainability of the Earth’s resources.

Previous CEE events have covered biofuels, climate change, solar energy, Chicago’s water supply, CO2 storage, and research in the Arctic.
Distinguished speakers have included former Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy Steve Koonin, Ph.D.; Maria Zuber, Ph.D., Chair of the National Science Board and Vice President for Research and E.A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, MIT; and Kelly Kenison Falkner, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Polar Programs, U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Director of the U.S. Antarctic Program.

The Future of Solar Energy

Solar energy holds the best potential for meeting humanity’s future long-term energy needs while cutting greenhouse gas emissions—but to realize this potential will require increased emphasis on developing lower-cost technologies and more effective deployment policy. This lecture presents results of a comprehensive study on The Future of Solar Energy by the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), which is part of a series of multidisciplinary reports that examine the role various energy sources could play in meeting future energy demand under carbon dioxide emission constraints. Continue reading “The Future of Solar Energy”

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C2ST Speakeasy: “Getting More Electricity Out of Sunlight” with Matthew Weimer

Global warming is a reality that we will be forced to adapt to in the coming decades. A true solution will not come from one area; there is no silver bullet. Rather, lasting and significant change will come from a suite of modifications to our behavior, as well as technological improvements.

Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Getting More Electricity Out of Sunlight” with Matthew Weimer”

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C2ST Speakeasy: “Dirty Secrets: managing soil systems for a sustainable future” with Dr. Bala Chaudhary

The United Nations has recognized 2015 as the International Year of Soils, yet how many of us appreciate the fact that we can’t eat, breathe, drink, or maintain healthy communities without good soil. Let’s talk dirty and explore the diverse and complex world of soil as well as how local scientists manage soil systems to maintain ecosystem services.  Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Dirty Secrets: managing soil systems for a sustainable future” with Dr. Bala Chaudhary”

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Water: Chicago in the 21st Century and Beyond

Lake Michigan is Chicago’s pride and joy. Chicago and the region have a long relationship with our lakefront and the Chicago River.

Our water has driven our economy, made us a destination for visitors, and ensured we have an adequate water supply. From reversing the Chicago River to building the deep tunnel, managing water has been a driver for Chicago to innovate and reinvent our world.

Continue reading “Water: Chicago in the 21st Century and Beyond”

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