Ellen D. Williams, Chief Scientist, BP plc
October 22, 2013
Energy is essential to human civilization, and
the production of energy and electrical power intersects other natural resources, specifically minerals, water, land and earth’s atmosphere. Of these resources, the strongest energy linkage is with the atmosphere. However, the growing quality of life for more and more of the world’s population places additional stresses on minerals, land and water, as well as increasing the demand for energy.
In this talk, we will address the question of whether the growing demand for energy can be sustained in the face of competing pressures on our other natural resources. The trends in GHG emissions, and the technical drivers for resource use, especially water, in energy production will be reviewed. We will show how technical choices available now could prevent some energy-resource collisions, and discuss areas of continuing concern.
Overall, there are potential good news stories about resource use for energy, but these will depend on human decisions and priorities to become a worldwide reality.
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Colloquia are held Tuesdays in Room 1410 at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments at 3:30). If you have additional questions, please call 301-405-5946.
