PrintBriefing Memo Exercise
Overview:
In this lesson we explored more deeply the energy-water nexus as well as water impacts from climate change and how that could play out during the energy transition. In this assignment, you will draft a briefing memo discussing possible trade-offs between water and climate goals as the energy transition progresses.
Purpose:
This assignment will help you apply systems thinking by practicing synthesizing your knowledge and presenting a concise written summary of key trade-offs and potential outcomes relating to the energy transition’s water-related impacts.
Successful Completion:
For this lesson’s assignment, imagine you are an expert providing direct consultation to the UN secretariat for the SDGs about potential negative impacts on freshwater resources as a result of some aspect of the energy transition covered in this lesson. In 250 words or less (plus or minus 10% on word count), you are to outline the issue (e.g., GHG emissions impacts from building new wastewater treatment plants); identify the relevant UN SDG goal(s) associated with the issue; and then describe in some detail using bulleted points as needed the potential pros and cons of your policy choice with regard to freshwater resources and on global GHG emissions trends (e.g., recommendation to build significantly more wastewater treatment facilities). When describing the water impacts be sure to reference at least two of the four factors of energy provision.