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An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 1
Intro Page SCI 422/522
Research Trends & Updates for Science/Math Teachers:
The Science of Sustainability in the Southwest
Week 1: Overview of
Sustainability in a Desert
15 September 2010
Flandrau Science Center
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 2
Course mechanics and schedule
• tuition rebate
• sign in for professional development credit
• starting time preference - 5:30 or 6:00?
• where we will meet - planetarium or mezzanine
• office hours location
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 3
Introductions – who we are
Brief bio
Grades taught
• 9-12 54%
• 6-8 17%
• 4-5 8%
• 1-3 25%
• Pre-k & K 8%
Subjects taught
• earth/envir sci 68%
• biology 50%
• chemistry 36%
• physics 27%
• elementary 20%
On average, you teach 2 science fields
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 4
Introductions – who we are cont.
• Two-thirds are involved in science clubs, Aca Deca, Mesa, Odyssey of the Mind
• Two-thirds have taught more than 10 years
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 5
Introductions – who we are cont.
Interest in topics (high to low)
• sustainable homes
• solar energy for power and heat
• water harvesting and reuse
• renewable energy sources and energy storage
• water/energy nexus
• biofuels including algae
• sustainable vehicles
You know the most about water harvesting and reuse.
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 6
Written exercise
Key terminology: What do the following words mean to you?
• Sustainable
• Renewable
• Conservation
What key role can science and technology play in moving society towards sustainability in the desert Southwest?
How does science and technology sometimes complicate or thwart efforts to achieve a more sustainable society? Examples?
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 7
Why so hard to define?
Complexity in pinning down sustainability is due in large part to the fact that we are not in a fixed or steady state.
We have to define sustainability consistent with:
• growing population
• changing values
• evolving technology
• changing climate
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 8
Sample definitions:
• Manage the use of a resource so it can meet human demands of the present generation without decreasing opportunities for future generations.
• Development that is socially desirable, economically viable, ecologically sustainable
• Live within limits.
• Maintain over time a constant effective natural resource base
• The stock of resources should not decline
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 9
Sample definitions, cont:
• Exploit renewable resources.
• Can a region’s agricultural and industrial activities continue indefinitely?
• Per capita utility or well-being is increasing over time subject to non-declining natural wealth.
• Improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.
• Treating the earth as if we intended to stay.
Population growth vs. per capita consumption - breaking the consumption/standard of living link
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 10
Why do we care about sustainability?
There are multiple motives, including:
• Generational equity
• Environmental stewardship
• National security concerns
• Insecurity in the face of accelerating change, including climate change
• Desire for independence from utilities, government, market fluctuations
• Fascination with technology
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 11
Accounting stance – sustainable in what?
The dimensions include:
• energy
• water
• food and fiber
• land use
• basic industry
The role of economics, basic industry employment is critical.
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 12
What is the basis of our economy?
• Basic industry jobs, “exports”, include:
• mining
• agriculture
• tourism
• Education
• national defense
• Retirees
How is it changing over time?
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 15
Future economic basis
Are there really significant numbers of green jobs ahead?
Recent headlines: • Sun to provide one-third of D-M’s electricity
• Global Solar rolls out new rooftop solar panel
• Stimulus funds put solar power to work at Tucson VA hospital
• Mesa-based solar school is expanding to Tucson
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 17
What is “sustainability” in a desert?
Definition of desert, arid region:
• Lack of precipitation
• Evaporation, transpiration exceed precipitation – moisture deficit
• Great temperature swings
• Large amounts of sunshine
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 18
Why focus on water and energy?
• food and fiber are global markets, water and energy are local to regional
• previous civilizations have succumbed to droughts, water mismanagement
• major impact of climate change is water
• indirect impact of climate change (efforts to mitigate) is driving renewable energy sources, and we dominate in solar and geothermal
• state PUC mandates
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 19
Stressors include:
• population growth
• changes in per capita consumption rates
• land use changes
• climate change
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 20
Climate change impacts on Southwest:
• warmer
• intensified hydrologic cycle globally, not clear locally
• more floods AND more droughts
• massive landcover changes
• less snowpack, less water storage as snow
• greater flood risk means we need lower reservoir levels
• less hydropower due to loss in both flow and head
• less energy demand in winter, more energy demand in summer
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 22
The role of science in seeking sustainability
We are not Doc Brown
Popular culture portrays science as an activity:
• performed by lone, eccentric, socially impaired geniuses
• producing a machine or process (engineering, not science)
Reality is science as:
• team efforts, building on the work of others
• with few “Eureka!” moments and more “What the heck?” moments
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 23
The role of UA science in seeking sustainability
World-class in:
• hydrology and water resources
• climate change research, esp. paleoclimatology
• optical sciences
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 24
300 water professionals
9 Water Centers and Institutes
10 field sites and research facilities
28 water-related degree programs
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 28
Looking at the future, dimly
“The future aint what it used to be.”
-Yogi Berry
Tools for planning include:
• projections
• forecasts
• indicators
• scenarios
• alternative futures
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 30
Week 2 Water / Energy Nexus
• Water for energy challenges
– Thermal energy and the cooling tower problem
– CO2 sequestration issues
• Energy for water challenges
– Sources vs. energy needs – an ugly trend
– Treatment of water and wastewater
• Areas of conflict involving conservation
– On-demand hot water
– Landscaping and utility bills
• Areas of synergistic conservation
– Hot water and winning 3 ways
– Multi-use facilities
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 31
Week 3 Biofuels
• Shortcomings of corn, soy, local sugar cane
• Promise of cellulosic sources
• Potential of algae & technical challenges
• The UA role in developing a systems approach for algae-based fuels
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 32
Week 4 Sustainable Homes
• Building green structures & LEED standards
• The “McMansion” effect
• Retrofitting existing homes
• What is a “smart home”?
• Economics of conserving energy and water
Tour of UA solar home
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 33
Week 5 Water Harvesting and Water Reuse
What is the potential for water harvesting?
• Historical role
• Water budget calculation
• Costs and pay-back periods
Where are we on water reuse and recycling?
• Matching supplies and demands
• The fear of “toilet to tap”
Tour of TNC demonstration site
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 34
Week 6 Sustainable Transportation
What is the future of personal transportation?
• Electric, hybrid cars
• Alternatives to cars
• Advances in mass transit
• Changes in aviation
Examine 4 electric vehicles
An NSF Science and Technology Center SAHRA 35
Week 7 Solar Energy for Power and Heat
• Problems of concentrated solar - land and water impacts
• Potential of photo-voltaics, including work on:
• Crystals, polycrystals & thin films
• Holographic mirrors
• Integrating PV into building materials
• Concentrated PV with large mirrors
• Systematic testing for reliability, durability