Local experts presented predictions Tuesday evening in the Living Learning Center auditorium about what will happen as the global energy demand rises, posing solutions to solve problems on the local, national and international scales to increase sustainability and avoid potential catastrophe.
In their presentations, the speakers said carbon dioxide overproduction is a major problem we face as the world economy grows. Rapid industrialization in China and India – heavily-populated nations that have lenient environmental regulations – is making the experts worry about what will happen in the next 50 years as their economies and emissions levels grow.
Greg Bothun, a University physics and environmental studies professor, said this problem is particularly pressing because China’s emissions levels are projected to equal those of the U.S. in 10 years.
“Whether the atmosphere will accommodate this change in a benign way is yet to be seen,” Bothun said.
The speakers expressed dissatisfaction with current federal energy policy, which they feel does not include enough emphasis on renewable, alternative energy sources.
“If everybody develops an awareness of their energy footprint, it will change our actions,” Bothun said.
The speakers also examined how people will transition from current fossil fuel-based energy consumption when global supplies diminish. They feared the world economy could collapse if we don’t focus on fulfilling our consumption habits with renewable energy sources such as biofuel, hydrogen and wind power.
Oregon State University professor of chemical engineering David Hackleman said biodiesel, a diesel substitute made from alcohol and vegetable oil, can help wean the world from its addiction to oil.
Hackleman, who drove across the country last summer in his truck using only biodiesel fuel, said there are many benefits to using biodiesel. Unlike petroleum products, which take thousands of years to develop beneath the Earth’s surface, biodiesel can be made from annually renewable crops such as soybeans and corn.
University students Darren Yondorf, Aaron Michalson and Fletcher Beaudoin believe biodiesel is a great way to reduce dependence on oil. They are in the process of starting a campus biofuel concern that will take waste oil from campus fryers and turn it into biodiesel for use in University vehicles. They estimate the demand for diesel fuel on campus is about 1,500 gallons per year, and they will be able to provide about 3,000 gallons.
“People are becoming more and more interested in it,” Yondorf said.
Jesse Jenkins, a recent University graduate now working to promote alternative energy development at Renewable Northwest Project in Portland, suggested writing letters to politicians and getting involved in campus sustainability issues to show one’s commitment to changing current policies.
“All it takes is a few dedicated students to make a difference,” Jenkins said.