Anyone can get immense value from this course, but we believe it is most suited for:

• Business and government professionals

• Elected or appointed local officials

• Engaged community members

• College students

Week 1: Renewable Energy Policy: The Good, Bad and The Not Enough
National and state renewable energy policy has helped to make wind, solar and storage more widespread than it was even just a few years ago. But is policy driving the clean energy transition fast enough as climate change’s impacts increase?

Week 2: Solar Energy: The Promise and Challenge of an Unlimited Source of Power:
Solar power is becoming the go-to renewable for utilities, states and consumers. Yet, making solar projects happen is often difficult. Are we building enough, fast enough? We’ll learn what makes this industry tick.

Week 3: Community Energy Equity and Resiliency
Climate change disproportionally affects low-income communities. What’s being done to address this inequity?

Week 4: Decarbonizing the Business Sector
Some see the business sector as leading the decarbonizing of the economy given leading companies’ ambitious renewable energy and net-zero goals. We’ll learn about a West Michigan company at this forefront.

Week 5: Climate Action: Can We Actually Stop and Even Reverse the Levels of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere?
Drawing down carbon dioxide and other emissions requires a coordinated effort among sectors of the economy and the world’s nations. What’s the energy industry’s role in leading, following or delaying this transition?

Class each week will focus on a particular topic with insights offered from a guest energy expert. The format will include a facilitated seminar/workshop with expert perspectives shared followed by engaging class discussions.

Students will also be encouraged to video-speak with or email Dr. Kinch during "office hours" each week should they have additional questions or topics for discussion.

Readings and/or podcasts will be shared weekly. You will benefit most if you plan on an hour or two of reading/listening each week to contribute to robust in-class conversations. As a non-credit class, you will not be assessed on your learning. Our focus is meeting your learning needs within the format of this course.

This is a beginner - intermediate level course.

The course will be held in person at the L. William Seidman Center at 50 Front Avenue SW in room 2001.

However, we offer a virtual option for those who need it. Please email us at r[email protected] if you will need a virtual option.

This is a non-credit class, and you will not be assessed on your learning.