Science Colloquium: Energy in Transition

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This collection contains student papers from the Clark Honors College course HC 441 Honors College Science Colloquium: Energy in Transition.

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    Materials in Transition
    (University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, 2011-12) Broberg, Kate Liddle; DiGregorio, Rachelle; Madison, Erin; Hawkins, Lauren; Rempel, Alexandra; Rempel, Alan
    Through an investigation of plastic and aluminum production and recycling, waste to energy methods, plastic bottle use, and plastic bag use, we have come to the conclusion that the citizens and government of the United States need to work together to reduce primary material production and use. Additionally, we must increase recycling and reuse in order to close the production and consumption loop of potentially hazardous and energy-consuming products, primarily plastic and metals. Through these methods, we can best retain the embodied energy of waste materials and avoid excessive use of non-renewable resources.
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    Transportation Systems
    (University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, 2011-12) Borlant-Guertler, Gabe; Tillotson, Brock; Landsem, Paige; Wickman, Lindsay; Rempel, Alexandra; Rempel, Alan
    The current US transport system is centered around, and highly reliant of, individuals driving their own car on government constructed roads and highways. This has been the case for the past half century. The current state of the US transportation system is hugely wasteful, in terms of money, time, and energy. Instead of devoting vast amounts of resources to an already wasteful system, some believe we should consider other transport infrastructure whenever possible. By implementing systems such as light rail, heavy rail, buses, and better urban planning, we have the opportunity to reduce waste.
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    Transportation Fuels & Policy
    (University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, 2011-12) O'Neal, Chip; Deal, Parker; Hassanein, Karim; Young, Abby; Rempel, Alexandra; Rempel, Alan
    Despite the forecast of imminent end of petroleum, the future of transportation fuels is bright. Concerns over peak oil and climate change have motivated the research and development of alternative energy and transportation fuel sources.5 Electric and hybrid electric vehicles, cellulosic bioethanol, biodiesel from algae and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles all serve as potential game changers in the transportation sector. The status quo is changing, moving away from the fossil fuels which enabled the unprecedented growth in the past. But what is equally important is understanding your own consumption habits. By being conscientious of your own decisions, you can help ease the transition from our currently unsustainable transportation sector. This website is designed to help inform you about the current status of petroleum, and what you can do to help our transition to a sustainable future.
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    Electricity Fuel Resources
    (University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, 2011-12) Schreiner-McGraw, Adam; Chianello, Maria; Wilson, Taylor; Haas, Tyler; Rempel, Alexandra; Rempel, Alan
    Why Study Electricity Fuels? We do not have an unlimited supply of coal, uranium, or natural gas, and all of those methods for producing electricity can cause significant environmental damage. How can we provide electricity for a growing market without devastating environmental impacts? Our group members have provided several alternatives to current electricity production methods, and we are investigating the feasibility of implementing them on a nationwide scale. Our alternative processes are: carbon sequestration from coal-fired power plants, solar energy, wind energy, and wave energy.
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    Sustainable Sustenance
    (University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, 2011-12) Xthona, Tabit; Shindelman, Sarah; Carter, Dylan; Goldberg, Julie; Rempel, Alexandra; Rempel, Alan
    In order to meet demand in the U.S., current food production uses about 50% of the country's land area, 80% of its fresh water, and 17% of its fossil energy. Currently, much more energy goes into production than we get out in calories. On average, the caloric input to output ratio for animal protein is 28:1 and 3.3:1 for plant protein. This amount of energy input is not sustainable and needs to be changed to ensure future food security. This web page exists to provide information on status quo food production practices and lead consumers towards more sustainable sustenance systems.