The Global Challenge of Accessible, Affordable, Reliable and Safe Energy

bmurray title slide

Dr. Brian Murray
Environmental Economics Program Director, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
Interim Director of the Duke University Energy Initiative
Date:  September 22, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

In the teaser video below, Dr Murray touches on how energy distribution and access across the globe is the challenge of our time. In the full lecture (also below) he discusses how meeting the mid-century challenges of population growth, energy demand and international climate commitments will require significant change in technology, markets, policies and attitude.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast teaser (6 min).
Video podcast teaser or download or with slide viewer (6 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (76 min).

Wildlife Security Convergence with Conservation and Innovation

dr. lee cover slide

Dr. Stephen Lee
Chief Scientist, US Army Research Office
Date:  September 15, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

In this talk, Dr. Lee makes the case that reducing the illegal wildlife trade and poaching in Africa is in the best interest of the international community in terms of safety, security, conservation and goodwill. Further, that science and technology have pivotal roles to play via next generation tools and capabilities. In the short excerpt below he discusses some of the way Army technology is being adapted to aid conservation in Africa. Interested in learning more? Links to the full lecture are also below.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (of excerpt) (10 min).
Video podcast (of excerpt) or download or with slide viewer (10 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (74 min).

Some Major Implications of the Ongoing Transformations in Cars and Trucks

car production line

One trend: With increasing production line innovations the auto industry is moving to just-in-time production which will limit inventory and impact businesses dependent on the current system.

Dr. Lincoln Pratson
Semans-Brown Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Duke University
Date:  September 27, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Not since the introduction of the automobile has there been so much technological innovation at play in the automotive industry and hence so much uncertainty about the car and truck of the future. Regardless of the technological outcome, some major changes are afoot inside and outside of the automotive industry. In this excerpt from his September 27th talk, Lincoln Pratson highlights some of the innovations and disruptions that are coming into play for the automotive industry.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (of excerpt) (14 min).
Video podcast (of excerpt) or download or with slide viewer (14 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (67 min).

Mercury Exposure and Peru’s State of Emergency in Madre de Dios

Dr. Bill Pan
Assistant Professor of Global Environmental Health, Duke University
Date:  September 8, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Dr. Pan discusses lessons learned and a firsthand account of field research triggering a state of emergency due to the discovery of toxic levels of mercury in the local population.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (highlights) (26 min).
Video podcast (highlights) or download or with slide viewer (26 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (77 min).

Conservation for Cities: How to Plan and Build Natural Infrastructure

lights at night

Dr. Robert McDonald
Senior Scientist for Sustainable Land Use, The Nature Conservancy
Date: September 29, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Dr. Robert McDonald discusses a comprehensive framework for maintaining and strengthening the supporting bonds between cities and nature through innovative infrastructure projects.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (highlights) (11 min).
Video podcast (highlights) or download or with slide viewer (11 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (39 min).

The Good, the Bad, and Occasionally the Dead: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Human Welfare

black soldier flies

Dr. Alan Townsend
Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School, Professor of Ecosystem Ecology, Duke University
Date: September 17, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Dr. Townsend discusses the impact of current patterns of N and P use on the environment and human welfare, how continuing these trends will impact our future and the opportunities to change course.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (highlights) (20 min).
Video podcast (highlights) or download or with slide viewer (20 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (43 min).

Man Eats Earth – and Two Fifths Already Gone!

pimm title slide

Dr. Stuart Pimm
Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology, Duke University
Date:  September 8, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Dr. Pimm discusses humanity’s impacts on land, rivers, the ocean, and the biodiversity they contain.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (highlights) (25 min).
Video podcast (highlights) or download or with slide viewer (25 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (64 min).

Emerging Emission Trading Systems Worldwide

power plant emissions

Dr. Marten von Velsen-Zerweck
Co-Founder and Managing Director, N.serve Environmental Services
Date:  September 24, 4:40-5:55 pm, EH1112

Dr. von Velsen-Zerweck discusses the role of market-based solutions to address climate change, the European Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and the current state of affairs in North America.

The lecture is available in the following formats:

Audio podcast (highlights) (32 min).
Video podcast (highlights) or download or with slide viewer (32 min).
Full lecture: video podcast, audio podcast, slide view (43 min).