123 Nieuwland Science Hall

In observing the global use of fossil fuels and the transition to renewables, a complex web of social, political, and economic factors influences how the world uses energy. Energy humanities is a new field that examines how culture and society influence energy decisions. Throughout history, energy transitions (e.g., from fire to coal to renewables) have always brought cultural and economic changes. Laudato Si urges us to consider the human and environmental impacts of these transitions—not just the technical challenges. To unravel the history and future of energy transitions and their effects, Ryan Juskus, assistant professor of the practice with the Institute for Social Concerns, will lead a discussion of energy humanities and where we fit in.
Ryan Juskus is the faculty director of NDBridge at the Institute for Social Concerns at Notre Dame. He teaches courses on justice, social thought, and environmental issues, with a focus on the moral, religious, and social dimensions of climate and environmental challenges. His research explores grassroots environmental movements, especially among American Christian communities. Juskus has also taught at Princeton, Wake Forest, and Duke, where he earned his Ph.D. in religion, focusing on Christian theology, environmental studies, and political economy.
This event is part of the Sustainability Cup competition sponsored by the Student Government’s Department of Sustainability.
Originally published at energy.nd.edu.