Energy and society

The world runs on energy—but where it comes from, how we use it, and what it means for our future? In this course, you’ll join an explorative mission of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to power the world without wrecking it?

We’ll travel through history to see how past energy transitions shaped societies, dive into the laws of thermodynamics, and compare fossil fuels, solar, wind, nuclear, and emerging technologies to see what’s truly viable. You’ll also examine the tight link between energy and climate change, learning why one cannot be discussed without the other. But beyond the theories, we’ll dig into real-world solutions—how energy systems can be redesigned, what policies could drive meaningful change, and what trade-offs society faces in making the transition.

Through discussions, simulations, and hands-on activities, you’ll develop the skills to think critically about energy choices and their impact. If you’re interested in science, policy, or just understanding the forces shaping the future, this course will give you the tools to engage with one of the biggest challenges of our time.

1/ Energy transition vs. energy addition: looking into the history of energy use
2/ Crash-course in thermodynamics: why is entropy relevant?
3/ All the sources of energy: choose your favorite
4/ Climate change and energy: why can you never talk about one without talking about the other?
5/ Holistic approach to energy systems: from needs to sources through efficiency and sufficiency
6/ Policy perspective: what should we do now?

Kristina Zindulková

Kristina is interested in the relationship between climate, energy and economics. She started this journey at Masaryk University studying environmental studies and economics, continued with a program in socio-ecological economics in Vienna at WU and then in Paris at the Sorbonne University. She works as an analyst in AMO climate research team, where she focuses on climate change mitigation, decarbonisation of the energy system, and its social impacts. She has experience in academic research, teaching at university or working at the ministry. She enjoys participating in field research on water retention or forest resilience in the Czech, Slovak or Bosnian mountains, and if not, she goes there anyway, whatever the season.

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