1) We Began the Semester with the Following Quote

Eco 328

Exam Questions #1

The exam will be comprised of 2 of the following 4 questions. I encourage you to work with your classmates in discussion sessions in preparation for the exam, but your answers need to be distinct and individual efforts. I will NOT proof read draft essays, but I am more than willing to sit and discuss any issues or questions you might have. Each essay is to be 4 double spaced pages – including all end notes. Please include a bibliography for any materials NOT on the reading list. You must properly reference your materials

1)  We began the semester with the following quote:

Climate change is difficult for people to evaluate dispassionately because it entails deep political and industrial implications, and because it arises from the core processes of our civilization’s success. This means that, as we seek to address this problem, winners and losers will be created. The stakes are high, and this has led to a proliferation of misleading stories as special interest groups argue their case. (Flannery, 2005, page 4.)

Construct a brief essay explaining why the issue of climate change is “difficult.” Who might the winners and losers be? Keep in mind the IPCC Summary from Working Group II and provide distinct examples.

2)  Sandalow simplistically explains in Freedom From Oil, (no you haven’t read) that we have two energy systems in the US: transportation and electricity. What might be a better way to classify energy use for meaningful work? Using the “Thinking Energetically” chapter as a basis, discuss the myriad ways in which we use energy. An interesting approach to this essay might be to describe a day in your life. Can you classify your uses according to your categories?

3)  Sieferle makes a distinct argument about the energy basis for population size. Discuss how the energy regime influences the population size. What are the dynamics of the population size and the energy regime? What are the dynamics of the potential for trade and the energy regime? Do you agree with Sieferle’s argument? What does this imply about the future as the energy regime undergoes alteration?

4)  Briefly summarize IEA’s energy outlook. What are the possible alternative futures described by the IEA. How do these alternatives differ in terms of economic performance and human well-being?