A
student-led effort across facilitate multidisciplinary dialogue, awareness,
and action on international development.
Energy: How Do We Power Development?
Hosted by the Engineering School
How does a country balance economic progress with environmental preservation? How does a country raise standards of living without endangering human health? Which priorities are most important? Does technology have the answer?
Come participate in a forum addressing this timely and controversial issue. Led by experienced students from across the University, this informative and informal discussion will unite multidisciplinary perspectives on energy problems and solutions in developing countries.
The energy forum brought together four speakers from across the university to discuss the role of energy in international development, the disparate energy needs and goals in various countries, and the issues that arise from pursuing those needs and goals.
The first presenter, Aynsley Toole, a dual degree student from SIPA and the Business School, introduced the important role energy must play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Though not an explicitly listed as a Millennium Development Goal, most of the Goals do require a reliable source of power before they can be satisfied. Aynsley discussed her research in Senegal about costing increased access to energy services.
Next, Susan Ilyin, a student at the School of Social Work, presented the results of market research she conducted in Rwanda. While assessing consumer behavior in rural Rwanda, Susan learned that in addition to a general need for access to power, people identified many needs, like refrigeration and better domestic appliances, which depended on electricity. In addition to her research findings, Susan also discussed the importance of using social work techniques to communicate with people and obtain the information she needed.
Jeanene Mitchell, from SIPA, talked about her experiences in Turkey and that country’s energy goals, not only to increase its own energy capacity but also to heighten its position as an energy transit state. Because Turkey is predicting tremendous increases in energy demands and consequently carbon emissions, Turkey has also begun to emphasize renewable energy in its energy policies.
The final presenter, Mike Goettig, discussed China’s energy crisis and the current controversy over the Nu River Dam in Yunnan. The Nu River Dam is intended to provide hydrologic power contributing to China’s ever increasing energy demands. But citizens and interest groups are concerned about the environmental and cultural impacts of the dam. They are also protesting the Chinese government’s failure to comply with environmental legislation. Under China’s environmental laws, the state must provide public hearings and public access to an Environmental Impact Statements (EIAs) before allowing development projects. At this time, the Chinese government has not held a public hearing and the Nu River EIA remains confidential.
After each speaker presented, the forum participants asked questions and shared anecdotes about their own experiences with energy in developing countries. Issues discussed included the options available to countries depending on their state of development, balancing cultural concerns with development, and the role of private corporations in supplying energy.
back to main development forums page
OTHER PAST FORUMS
Nov. 26, 2006: Trade
Nov. 8, 2006: Elections
Sept. 27, 2006: Energy
Apr. 19, 2006: Climate Change
Mar. 7, 2006: Non-Formal Education
Feb. 21, 2006: Immigration
Jan. 23, 2006: Media
Nov. 30, 2005: World Aids Day
Nov. 21, 2005: Hydropower
Oct. 10, 2005: Hurricane Katrina
To learn more or to get involved, contact CUPID's Forum Coordinator, Providence Spina (pms2113@columbia.edu).
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