We are at a pivotal point in the history of humankind. Climate change, driven by a dramatic increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, poses a real threat to global society. Scientists agree that we must begin to dramatically reduce emissions and prepare society for a future marked by climate change and uncertainty. UBC’s first Killam Connections course, Leading the Way Towards a Low-Carbon Future (RES500) will explore the science, as well as societal issues involved in transitioning countries to renewable energy.
This one-time-only course starts in January 2017. It is open to graduate students in all faculties (and a limited number of 4th-year students and postdoctoral fellows), and will bring together scientists, engineers, political scientists, decision makers, economists, and communicators to discuss how to best prepare Canada for a low-carbon future.
The course will include a series of five lectures by international experts, including James Hoggan of Hoggan & Associates, Mark Jacobson of Stanford University, Andrew Leach from the University of Alberta, and James Tansey from the Sauder School of Business.
The teaching team, led by Naoko Ellis from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, includes professors from Geography, Political Science, Land and Food Systems, the Sauder School of Business and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability.
This is the first Killam Connection course. The Killam Connections program provides up to $25,000 to enable UBC faculty to host an innovative and interdisciplinary graduate course on a subject of general interest and public importance.
Funding for the course is supported by the Killam Trusts, a legacy of Dorothy and Izaak Walton Killam, who were passionate about helping to build Canada’s future by encouraging advanced study.
More information about Leading the Way Towards a Low-Carbon Future is available at lowcarbonfuture.ubc.ca.
More information on Killam Connections is available at www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/killam-connection.