This past Sunday's New York Times brings an article by Justin Gilles, perfectly timed for our first lecture this week on energy, one of the key drivers of global change (see below).

This article provides an international perspective on the rapid advance and dropping prices of alternative non-carbon based energy sources.   (this nicely complements the Williams et al 2012 optional reading for Tuesday, which focused on the potential for California to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% in the next 50 years.)

Sun and Wind Alter Global Landscape, Leaving Utilities Behind

New wind turbines off the coast of Germany, where renewable energy is soaring and driving down prices (NYTimes, 9/14/2014)