Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability: a necessity as the mother of many inventions

Duration: 1 hour 26 mins

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Description:	Professor Steven Chu, former Energy Secretary under President Obama, delivered the 2014 S T Lee Lecture on 10 November at the University of Cambridge. Science and technology such as the industrial and agricultural revolutions have profoundly transformed the world. In his talk, Professor Chu will first discuss an “epidemiological” approach of assessing the risks of climate change, and then provide a perspective on how we can mitigate the risks with science, technology and policy, so that sustainable energy becomes the low cost option.

Description:

Professor Steven Chu, former Energy Secretary under President Obama, delivered the 2014 S T Lee Lecture on 10 November at the University of Cambridge. Science and technology such as the industrial and agricultural revolutions have profoundly transformed the world. In his talk, Professor Chu will first discuss an “epidemiological” approach of assessing the risks of climate change, and then provide a perspective on how we can mitigate the risks with science, technology and policy, so that sustainable energy becomes the low cost option.


Created:	2014-11-24 13:04
Collection:	Dr S T Lee Public Policy Lectures Centre for Science & Policy
Publisher:	University of Cambridge
Copyright:	Jackie Ouchikh
Language:	eng (English)
Keywords:	energy efficiency; Climate Change; nuclear power; solar panels; Wind turbine;


Abstract:	Professor Chu's lecture explores the current state of energy and climate change, the availability of fossil fuels and the potential for alternative technologies. Professor Chu demonstrates an epidemiological view of climate change, citing parallels with the 25-year delay seen between tobacco smoking and recognition of its links with cancer. His lecture emphasises the potential for renewables for future power generation. Innovation is required to drive down costs and improve electricity production and distribution for the future. Professor Chu believes that improved efficient battery technology could be "as disruptive to electricity generation and distribution as the cell phone and the internet were to commuications".

Abstract:

Professor Chu's lecture explores the current state of energy and climate change, the availability of fossil fuels and the potential for alternative technologies. Professor Chu demonstrates an epidemiological view of climate change, citing parallels with the 25-year delay seen between tobacco smoking and recognition of its links with cancer. His lecture emphasises the potential for renewables for future power generation. Innovation is required to drive down costs and improve electricity production and distribution for the future. Professor Chu believes that improved efficient battery technology could be "as disruptive to electricity generation and distribution as the cell phone and the internet were to commuications".

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