DOE Analyst to Discuss Global Warming

Auburn -- Daily we hear stories about global climate change -- most of them short on facts and long on hype. On Oct. 1, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) analyst John Ruether will discuss the science of global warming. He will also discuss developing technologies that may offer a potential solution for this very real problem.

World population growth and increased energy use are driving an increase in greenhouse gases that absorb radiation in the infrared portion of the spectrum and heat the atmosphere. To avoid unacceptably large climate change it has been estimated that 15-25 TW of carbon-free primary power must be provided world wide by mid century, an amount greater than current world primary power consumption.

Ruether will discuss one of the more promising ways to make this happen by capturing and sequestering CO2 deep underground or at sea. As senior engineering analyst in the Office of Systems and Policy Support of the National Technology Laboratory, Ruether engages in technology innovation and system analysis for methods to reduce the environmental impact of coal use, especially in regard to greenhouse gas emissions. His interests include both engineering analysis and energy economics. He holds bachelor's and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from Cornell University.

The one-hour seminar, sponsored by the Department of Chemical Engineering, will begin at 11 a.m. in 256 Aerospace.

On the web:

• Chemical Engineering