The United States is at a critical crossroads. Our superpower status was achieved by the development and use of fossil fuel resources. We have done great by that model in terms of our economic growth and geopolitical status. But what made us great could now be our undoing if we don’t revolutionize our energy policy. Continued use of fossil fuels at historical levels will lead us and our planet to a climate catastrophe. Scientists are imploring policy makers to move away from fossil fuels as fast as possible. The transition could be painful or it could be an opportunity to not only revolutionize our energy system away from dirty fuels but also jumpstart our economy in a way that we have not seen since the tech boom of the 1990s. Where we go next will depend on brains, technology, political will, and sacrifice. This problem provides a good case study for the course, because possible solutions, though simple on paper, will require us to consider multiple factors to make them happen: biology, ecology, chemistry, ecology, politics, economics, worldviews, etc. This case study also emphasizes one of the main ideas of this class: solutions to environmental problems are often easy to propose, but very difficult to implement.Five proposals regarding solutions to the energy and climate crises currently being considered are listed below and student assignments into groups have been made. To be decided is what side of the issue each pair of students will be: in its defense or its opposition.1.      Large-scale implementation of solar technology throughout the US is the best way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.2.      Rapid development and production of electric automobiles offers a fast and effective way to reduce carbon emissions.3.      As a clean alternative to coal and oil, natural gas development offers the best step forward towards a clean energy future.4.      Large-scale implementation of wind energy technology throughout the US is the best way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. 5.      Nuclear power provides a clean and safe energy alternative to fossil fuels. [Show Less]