The Transition to a Low Carbon Society: Israel as a Lab  

A 3-day field workshop

Dr. Itay Fischhendler

Topic: The world is undergoing a transition from fossil fuels to the use of renewable energy sources such as solar farms and wind turbines. While many countries are becoming front runners in this transition, others lag behind. Israel is no different as it zigzags between the need to free itself from the fetters of oil/coal import and the need to continue to provide cheap energy. This workshop aims to introduce students to the social complexity of shifting to a new economy and technology based on new energy sources that are more environmentally friendly but impinge upon previous technologies, behaviors, and institutions.    

Venue:  The workshop will be held during a three-day period at Kibbutz Ketura in Israel’s Negev in December 2017 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). During the workshop, students will see the latest technological developments in solar energy, will meet policy makers, will learn about the potential of renewable energy to foster cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, and will seek social solutions that can revolutionize the way that Israel consumes energy.  Three preparatory meetings will be held at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) prior to the 3-day workshop.  

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