Lecture Series History: 2011
In 2011, the Natural History Museum of Utah's annual Lecture Series presented the theme "Reinventing Energy." Read on to learn more about the theme and speakers.
About the 2011 Lecture Series
Reinventing energy is critical to solving the climate change crisis. To achieve a sustainable future, we must transform the way we generate, use, and design the infrastructure of energy.
The Nature of Things 2011 will explore new innovations, highlight some game-changing technologies, and identify how the clean energy industry can create new wealth in our society.
2011 Speakers
Fred Krupp
The Race to Reinvent Energy and Stop Global Warming
Fred Krupp is optimistic that clean energy innovations paired with the power of markets can solve the climate crisis and create great new wealth. Krupp's lecture will profile a range of bold inventions with potential to transform the energy sector. But Krupp's hopeful message comes with a warning: if we don't let clean energy innovators compete fairly in the marketplace, new technologies won't come to market at a speed and scale sufficient to beat the swift pace of climate change.
Jeff Muhs, Ph.D.
Transforming America's Energy Future
For decades, America's energy research and development establishment has favored incremental progress over transformational change. Muhs argues incremental change will not free us from our energy dilemma.
Jonathan Hoekstra
Energy Sprawl: The Geography of Energy and Efficiency
Clean energy technologies like wind, solar, and biofuels promise to revolutionize how we power our communities and our economy. But revolutions don't come for free. In making the transition to a clean energy economy, we face the risk of "energy sprawl" as energy production and transmission infrastructure expand onto lands and waters currently used for farming, ranching, and open space. In this lecture, Jonathan Hoekstra, will map the geography of new energy development, explore how "energy by design" can avert the worst impacts of energy sprawl, and show how saving energy saves land.
Panel Discussion with Local Energy Leaders
Utah's Clean Energy Frontline
Vicki Bennett
Sustainability Director, Salt Lake City Corporation
Ann Ober
Intergovernmental Affairs Specialist, Salt Lake County
Piper Rhodes
Manager, Sustainable Development, Health Safety & Environment, Rio Tinto Kennecott Land
Chris Tallackson
Program Manager, Utah State Energy Program
Sarah Wright
Executive Director, Utah Clean Energy
How is clean energy playing out in Utah? What are our assets and challenges?
Join the Utah Museum of Natural History for a local perspective on the clean energy issues explored in The Nature of Things 2011. A panel of local experts representing diverse groups developing renewable energy resources will discuss the current state of clean energy in Utah, innovative projects large and small, and how you can get involved in shaping a clean energy future for our state.