Background

Energy is a word we hear often. And, oftentimes, we are talking about how we can conserve energy, save electricity, explore new energy sources, and more. But what is energy, really? In physics, energy is defined as the capacity to do work. However, it is important to understand that energy comes in different forms: thermal (or heat), radiant (or light), potential, kinetic, among others.

In this project, we will focus specifically on non-renewable energy sources. This type of energy comes from sources that will eventually run out or will not be renewed on a timescale relevant to human society. Non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, as well as nuclear power.

Non-renewable energies dominate our current energy matrix, powering our homes, our cars, and our industries. However, their exploration and use have serious implications for the environment, highlighting the importance of understanding and discussing this topic.

The exploitation of these non-renewable energies has profound effects on our society and on our planet. Environmental disasters, air and water pollution, climate change are just some of the negative impacts. Furthermore, there is a significant social component. The exploration and production of non-renewable energy often imply displacement of communities, social inequalities, and geopolitical issues.

To help you better understand and explore these issues, we suggest the following resources:

1. Non-renewable Energies: Characteristics, Types, and Examples
2. Environmental Impacts of Using Non-Renewable Energy Sources
3. Documentary "Gasland: A Love Story for the Earth" - available on YouTube
4. Nuclear Energy: advantages, disadvantages, and everything you need to know

Hands-on Activity: Simulating an Energy Matrix

Activity Title:

"Future Energy Matrices: A Simulation on the Management of Non-Renewable Resources"

Project Goal:

To understand the implications of using non-renewable sources of energy and to develop a transition plan towards more sustainable energy sources.

Project Description in Detail:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5, representing different nations. Each nation will have an initial energy matrix composed of varying proportions of non-renewable energy sources.

The project will be divided into cycles, with each cycle representing a decade. In each cycle, groups will be tasked with managing their energy resources, considering energy consumption and production, as well as the socio-environmental impacts.

Each group will have to discuss and strategize ways to reduce their dependency on non-renewable energy sources, dealing with challenges such as transition costs, societal resistance, and economic impacts.

Materials Needed:

• Fictional country data (can be provided by the instructor or researched by the students).
• Flip charts, markers, post-its for visualization and planning.
• Internet access for research.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Divide the class into groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Assign each group a fictional country with a specific energy matrix, based on non-renewable energy sources.
3. Explain the concept of cycles and the task for each cycle (energy consumption and production decisions, resource management, socio-environmental impacts).
4. Groups begin the first round of planning and decision making.
5. After the first decade (cycle), groups present an update on their energy matrices and the challenges faced.
6. Repeat the activity for 3 more cycles (decades).
7. At the end of the game, each group presents the final state of their energy matrix and a reflection on the challenges of managing non-renewable energy sources.

Project Deliverables:

Students will have to deliver a comprehensive project report, which will include:

• Introduction: Contextualization of the project, the initial energy matrix of the assigned country, and the main challenges identified.
• Development: Detailed description of the actions taken in each cycle, the negotiations and discussions within the group, the difficulties encountered and how they were overcome. The impact of these actions on the country's energy matrix should also be explained, as well as the socio-environmental implications of each decision made.
• Conclusions: Discussion on the lessons learned throughout the project, observations on the implications of using non-renewable energy sources, reflections on the challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and suggestions for further research or activities.
• Bibliography: Indication of the information sources used to conduct the project and write the report.

This report should be written and designed as if it were a report from an international organization evaluating the management of the energy matrices of different countries. The report should be clear and accurate, allowing anyone interested in the topic to understand the project's outcomes.