California has been experiencing one the worst droughts in the history of the West coast. Lack of rainfall and snow fall to sustain aqueducts has led to disastrous environmental, economic, and societal problems such as rising food prices, dead crops, and wildfire. Read more at Case Study: California.

Extreme drought worldwide has led to the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods. Melting ice leads to greater volumes of water and an increasing area of impermeable surface (concrete, metal, asphalt, etc) keeps that water above ground and in the streets. Read more at Droughts and Floods and Case Study: Nashville.

Drilling for oil is becoming increasingly dangerous as companies search for deeper wells under the surface and under the ocean in order to keep up with global demand. The pursuit of energy heavily affects humans, animals, and entire ecosystems, even when considered "clean. Read more at Oil Pipelines and Spills

Canada's Tar Sands are gaining growing attention as their hazardous effects are becoming better known. Bitumen is extracted and refined into oil, a process that creates 3x the amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) of conventional oil production and requires three barrels of water to produce one barrel of oil. The waste water is released into massive pools of toxic water. Read more at Case Study: Canada.

Alternative energy has been praised for being cleaner than oil and gas but rejected due to higher costs for lower returns. Nuclear, wind, and solar energy all have their pros and cons, a ratio that can grow in the favor of pros with new technology and research. Read more at Alternative Energy.

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Climate, Energy, and Society

The world is a dynamic and living resource; its features are ever-changing. The changes in the Earth and in the atmosphere surrounding it are not novel. Humans have been worrying about the growing population, rising ocean waters, and extreme temperatures for decades. It was not until more recent that growing movements which hold mankind accountable for their actions and promote responsible, educated action have really taken off.

This site aims to provide facts concerning the current states of climate and energy affairs, covering everything from the history and current trends of climate to possible alternatives of energy. The authors hope that their reports can educate about the reality of current affairs and inspire responsible action to possibly reverse the trends.

Michelle Roberts and Jackie Pedroso
creators/editors

Last Updated: November 10, 2016