Understanding the Challenges of Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels
Explore the complexities behind ending the use of fossil fuels despite protests, activism, and the vested interests of corporations. Stoichiometry applications and stranded assets shed light on the obstacles in moving towards sustainable energy sources. Indigenous perspectives and climate implications add depth to the discussion.
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Presentation Transcript
Why Dont We Just Stop Using Fossil Fuels? Why Do We Continue, Despite the Protest and Activism? Source: Democracy Now! https://www.democracynow.org/2021/7/23/protests_line_3_pipeline_minnesota If it was such a good idea, why do you need so many police? Indigenous leader Winona LaDuke speaking of Enbridge s effort to build tar sands pipeline Source: Columbia University Press Tar sands: mixture of sand, clay, water, and bitumen, a molasses-like oil used to produce gasoline and diesel
Stoichiometry: numerical relationships between different chemicals in a balanced equation; predicts amounts of products formed and/or reactants needed Combustion of coal: C(s) + O2(g) CO2(g) methane: CH4(g) + O2(g) H2O(g) + CO2(g) gasoline: C8H18(l) + O2(g) H2O(g) + CO2(g) (gasoline) Stoichiometry Application: How much more coal, gas, and oil can we burn to stay with 1.5 C of warming?
stranded assets: reserves of fossil fuels (like tar sands) already developed and ready for extraction; money has been spent and companies want the ROI; reason for so much protest and police involvement Amount developed > global carbon budget (gasoline)
Stoichiometry Application to Climate How many gallons of gasoline were burned between 2018 and 2020 to cause a drop in the carbon budget (amount CO2 that can still be emitted to stay at/below 1.5 C and 2 C of global warming)? Jan 2020 Zoom Poll!! Jan 2018 605 Gt CO2 (amount that can still be burned to stay below 1.5 C of warming) 495 Gt CO2 (amount that can be burned to stay below 1.5 C of warming) (gasoline) Between 2018 and 2020, the carbon budget dropped by 110 Gt CO2. Assume all emissions from gasoline. (1 Gt = 1015 g; density C8H18 = 702 g/L; 1 gal = 3.785 L)
