Andy Bunn to speak on the future of renewable energy April 11

Andy Bunn, an associate professor of Environmental Sciences and the director of Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies, will present “Could the United States Rely on Renewable Energy Alone?” at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, in the Biology building 212 on Western’s campus.

The event is free, open to the public and is part of Western’s Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series.

Bunn’s presentation will involve the audience, asking them to imagine that there is a huge populist groundswell to rely on renewable energy. The concern is whether it would be possible to do so using today’s technology, while still enjoying the energy-rich lifestyle that Americans enjoy.

Bunn’s research interests include global climate change and energy and is currently working on research projects that focus on paleoclimate issues and carbon cycling in the Siberian tundra. He has taught at Western since 2006.

The goal of the series is to bring together the environmentally minded community and other interested members of the WWU and Bellingham communities to discuss matters of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

Anyone interested in these topics is encouraged to come and participate. The presentation will include a question and answer period.

Western’s Huxley College of the Environment is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the nation and a recognized national leader in producing the next generation of environmental stewards. The College’s academic programs reflect a broad view of the physical, biological, social and cultural world. This innovative and interdisciplinary approach makes Huxley unique. The College has earned international recognition for the quality of its programs.