Helmut (Ken) Burkhardt
Adjunct Professor of Physics
Ryerson Polytechnic University
350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3
416 979 5000 Extension: 7246
Email: burkhardt@ryerson.ca
| Organizer: IEEE Toronto Section, IEEE Engineering & Human
Environment Society |
| Title: The Evolution of the World Energy
System: Global and Local Implications |
| Speaker: Helmut (Ken) Burkhardt Adjunct Professor of Physics Ryerson Polytechnic University 350 Victoria Street Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3 416 979 5000 Extension: 7246 Email: burkhardt@ryerson.ca |
| Abstract: Humankind's ecological footprint is determined by two major factors, the gross world product of the global economy, and the kind of technology used in producing it. Total power used is closely correlated to the economic output, and inefficient energy technology causes much of our environmental destruction. New energy technologies are emerging, which support the present trends of decentralization of power generation and have the potential to double the efficiency of the world energy system. The improved efficiency of fossil fuel use is seen as a necessary first step in a transition to a more benign energy system based on renewable resources. The social implication of the move toward ecological sustainability will be discussed. |
| Background of the speaker: Helmut (Ken) Burkhardt has a doctorate in physics from the University of Stuttgart in Germany. His early research was on thermonuclear fusion, and on magnetohydrodynamic energy conversion at New York University, N.Y., at the University of Stuttgart, and at the Energy Research Centre of the University of Quebec. He was Director of the Ryerson Energy Centre for 7 years, taught physics at Ryerson, and developed several solar thermal products. He was a visiting lecturer on renewable energy systems at the University in Oradea, Rumania. Later in his career, he got interested in a wide-angle scientific view of the world through general systems science, and in the social responsibilities in science and in technology At present, he is President of Science for peace, and co chair of the upcoming 'Third Interdisciplinary Conference on the Evolution of World Order: From Knowledge to Rational Policy and Action'. The purpose of the conference is to present rational policy options on high priority issues of our time to politicians. It is scheduled for early June 2001 at Oakham House, Ryerson Polytechnic University. All members of the IEEE Toronto Chapter are invited to contribute and to participate. Phone or email the speaker for details. |
| Time and Location: Date: Thursday March 15, 2001 Time: 6.30 PM Light Refereshments 7 PM Presentation Location: University of Toronto, Galbraith Building 35 St. George Street Room 244 |
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
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