PrintComparing Outlooks Assignment Overview:
On the following page, there is a list of several organizations with links to the outlooks they have produced. Your task is to review two of these, ideally from different types of organizations, to get a sense of what these are and what they tell us. Do not be too focused on the actual data. In a future lesson, we will deep dive into these same outlooks and explore the data in more detail. For now, the idea is to understand outlooks and start to get a sense of which types you would want to review based specifically on what you want to know.
Note that, for some organizations, several links are provided. This is because we have included annual outlooks for multiple years when available.
Purpose:
To successfully complete this assignment, you will write an essay which compares two or more outlooks to identify their priorities and how those relate to the Four Factors [Reliability, Security, Accessibility, Sustainability] discussed in this course.
Identify connections:
As you review the outlooks, keep in mind the four key attributes of energy in our society- reliability, accessibility, security, and sustainability. As you explore the outlooks, see if you can find how these attributes are reflected. For example, the World Energy Council states: “Securing flows of clean, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to everyone, anywhere at any time is the ultimate vision of the World Energy Council.” You may explore how they use their publication to illustrate that point.
Successfully completing this assignment:
In 325 words (plus or minus 10%) write an essay that compares two outlooks and addresses the following points. Remember that for this lesson, we are focused on the general attributes of the outlook and not the specific information. Try to avoid comparing the data. Your essay should be submitted using Microsoft Word and will address the following questions:
- What is the purpose and focus of the outlooks you have chosen?
- Briefly describe the organizations that created the outlook- what is their purpose and focus? Priority area?
- How do they differ from each other?
- In general, how are the differences between the preparers reflected in the nature and format of information presented?
- Recall the exercise from Lesson 1 when you played the role and had to prioritize reliability, accessibility, security, and sustainability.
- How would these outlooks help you make that decision?
- In your opinion, when would you feel it appropriate to use one over the other, or does it matter?
- Could these outlooks help inform progress towards SDG #7?