Energy and Environment

Energy and Environment is an interdisciplinary field that examines the profound and complex relationship between energy systems and the natural world. It investigates the environmental impacts associated with the entire lifecycle of energy production, conversion, and consumption, from the extraction of fossil fuels and the construction of power plants to the emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants. A central focus of this applied science is to develop and assess sustainable solutions, such as renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures, and environmental policies, to mitigate these negative consequences and foster a transition to a more environmentally benign energy future.

1. Introduction to Energy and Environment
   1. Defining Energy
      1. Concept of Energy
      2. Forms of Energy
         1. Kinetic Energy
         2. Potential Energy
            1. Gravitational Potential Energy
            2. Elastic Potential Energy
         3. Chemical Energy
         4. Thermal Energy
         5. Radiant Energy
            1. Solar Radiation
            2. Electromagnetic Spectrum
         6. Nuclear Energy
            1. Nuclear Binding Energy
            2. Mass-Energy Equivalence
         7. Electrical Energy
         8. Mechanical Energy
      3. Energy Quality and Availability
         1. High-Quality vs Low-Quality Energy
         2. Exergy and Anergy
      4. Units and Conversions
         1. Joules
         2. British Thermal Units
         3. Calories
         4. Kilowatt-hours
         5. Converting Between Units
         6. Power vs Energy
            1. Definition of Power
            2. Energy as Power Over Time
            3. Relationship Between Power and Energy
   2. Fundamental Principles
      1. First Law of Thermodynamics
         1. Conservation of Energy Principle
         2. Energy Transfer Mechanisms
            1. Heat Transfer
            2. Work Transfer
         3. Energy Transformation Processes
      2. Second Law of Thermodynamics
         1. Entropy and Energy Degradation
         2. Energy Quality and Usability
         3. Heat Engines and Efficiency Limits
         4. Implications for Energy Systems
      3. Energy Flow in Natural Systems
         1. Solar Energy Input
         2. Energy Cascades in Ecosystems
         3. Biogeochemical Cycles
   3. The Global Energy System
      1. Primary Energy Sources
         1. Definition and Classification
         2. Renewable Primary Sources
         3. Non-renewable Primary Sources
      2. Secondary Energy Sources
         1. Definition and Examples
         2. Energy Carriers
         3. Electricity as Secondary Energy
      3. Energy Flows and Balances
         1. Global Energy Flow Diagrams
         2. Energy Conversion Processes
         3. Energy Losses in Conversion
      4. Historical Trends in Energy Consumption
         1. Pre-Industrial Energy Use
         2. Industrial Revolution and Fossil Fuels
         3. Modern Energy Consumption Patterns
         4. Regional Variations
         5. Sectoral Energy Use
            1. Residential Sector
            2. Commercial Sector
            3. Industrial Sector
            4. Transportation Sector
   4. The Energy-Environment-Economy Nexus
      1. Energy as Driver of Economic Growth
         1. Energy Services and Economic Development
         2. Energy Intensity of Economies
         3. Decoupling Energy Use from Economic Growth
      2. Environmental Externalities of Energy Use
         1. Definition of Externalities
         2. Types of Environmental Impacts
         3. Economic Valuation of Environmental Costs
         4. Internalization of External Costs
      3. Social Dimensions of Energy Systems
         1. Energy Access and Equity
         2. Energy Security Considerations
         3. Public Health Impacts