This free online course introduces you to energy-use and the impact it has on the environment in the context of global climate change. We explain basic energy calculations and examine some renewable energy technologies. We investigate the feasibility of moving away from carbon-based energy sources and meeting our energy requirements with sustainable sources that don’t pollute the atmosphere. The course establishes the importance of energy in terms of social, economic and technological development as we unpack its sources and the consequences of its consumption. We also define ‘sustainable development’ and determine its scale, indicators and importance.

The course establishes the difference between ‘unconventional’, ‘renewable’ and ‘clean’ energy and lays out the different types available. ‘Conventional’ energy sources are finite and include oil, coal and natural gas. We cover unconventional ‘clean’ energy sources that include biomasses, the sea, small hydroelectric facilities, wind, geothermal, solar and nuclear energy. We then break energy consumption down by country, sector and population group as you learn how statistical knowledge provides clarity on energy production, consumption and shortages. This means paying close attention to such details within specific sectors like industrial, transportation and domestic.

We then move on to the alarming impact that current methods of generating energy have on the planet. Harmful industrial practices are producing changes not seen by humanity and understanding the relationship between energy and the environment is essential for sustainable development. We look closely at the effect of energy’s consumption of environmental resources like water, food and fuel amid a drastic increase in population and demand. We then review the consequences of such changes and seek possible solutions. This free online course is aimed at anyone who wants to understand the world’s energy sources and the ongoing quest for energy solutions to save both the planet and its people.