Energy, Carbon, and Environmental Considerations

Introduction:

With growing concerns surrounding climate change, carbon footprints, and energy production, it is crucial to define and understand the complexities of these phenomena and the wide range of information related to them.

This course on Energy, Carbon, and Environmental Considerations, aims to provide clarity on energy-related issues by exploring energy creation, its environmental and ecological consequences, waste management challenges, and the global efforts to address these challenges. As the world transitions towards a low-carbon future, it is vital for organizations to educate their members, incorporating concepts of climatology and environmental studies into the process of energy reconceptualization.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze energy production methods, including their functioning, advantages, disadvantages, cost-effectiveness, and IPCC recommendations.
• Connect sustainability concerns with energy consumption economics and energy-environment economics, linking these concepts with energy, environment, and energy sustainability.
• Understand the principles of carbon management, how energy efficiency benefits the environment and society, and their place within a carbon management program or qualification.
• Calculate carbon footprints and address related challenges.
• Assess the role of climate change and the importance of a globally oriented approach based on international actions.
• Recognize the importance of waste disposal and water management within environmental management systems.
• Understand the value of avoiding waste and the benefits of integrated waste management.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Scenario analysis
• Real-world simulations
• Expert guest presentations
• Group work
• Field trips
• Simulations

Course Contents:

Unit 1: Types of Energy and Their Environmental Relations

• Definitions and concepts.
• Detailed assessment of energy resources, their electricity generation capabilities, and their pros and cons.
• Overview of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal).
• Comparative analysis of Canadian oil fields versus Gulf Coast countries' oil production.
• Geothermal energy.

Unit 2: Non-Renewable Energy Sources for Electricity Production

• Nuclear energy.
• Hydropower.
• Biomass array.
• Combined cycle units.
• Wind energy.
• Fuel technologies.
• Battery technologies.
• Emerging techniques.

Unit 3: Carbon Footprints

• Understanding the carbon footprints of various energy types used in electricity generation.
• Environmental, health, and safety issues and risks.
• Carbon-hostile land development.
• Simplifying KPIs.
• Environmental hazards.
• ISO 18001.

Unit 4: Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

• Gases causing greenhouse effects.
• Social concerns and strategies.
• Relevant international environmental laws.
• Water supply and conservation.

Unit 5: Climate Change

• Understanding climate change and its significance to Gulf Coast countries.
• Comprehensive local waste management systems.
• Defining waste and implementing zero-waste programs.
• Ecological aspects of business management.
• Moving towards a low-carbon future (negative carbon).
• Basic recommendations for "greening" businesses while considering financial constraints.

By bridging these gaps, participants in this course will gain a profound understanding of the interconnections between energy, carbon, and the environment, preparing them to make valuable contributions in the fields of environmental science and energy management.