Global Energy Network International 
Summer Series: Geodesign 2015
SESSION 3 
- Thursday July 23 - "Maps tell the story of San Diego and Northern Baja. We are Connected"

Geodesign* - Engineering the Transition to
Renewable Energy and Clean Water for All

Session Detail: Maps help us find our way, make better decisions and even see the future. Today, we all use Google Earth and layered information on maps. We will visualize current and future options - using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to better understand our geography, demographics, trends and impacts. 

The Global Classroom Series brings together international students to explores the critical trends, challenges and solutions to some of our world's most pressing problems. 

Topics to be Covered: Why we need to plan comprehensively- Global issues are affecting local communities everywhere. What are the key drivers - Climate change, population growth, energy and water demand are all increasing. What are the desirable conditions for sustainable development, and why resiliency planning is now required How do we analyze these issues in an interconnected world - there are no silos, everything is connected to everything. Planning for the future - comprehensive anticipatory design science. Visualizing current and future options- using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to understanding our geography, demographics and impacts Plans and strategies for a sustainable national economy - providing clean energy and water for everyone.

Geodesign* – Engineering the Transition to
Renewable Energy and Clean Water for All
The Global Classroom Series explores the critical trends, challenges and solutions to some of our world's most pressing problems.


Geodesign Venn Diagram - image from Harvard Design Science Lab, via Carl Steinitz, "A Framework for Geodesign"
Carl Steinitz, "A Framework for Geodesign"

The GENI Summer Series tackles the challenges of our times. Sustainability means we plan a future that meets today's needs and the needs for generations to follow. Resiliency means we must plan to adapt and mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Geodesign will build on these two concepts and ask: How do we transition an energy system for a nations and cities, to be 100% renewable, reliable 24/7 and is cost competitive? How can we supply clean water to all? 

Why is this needed? Our world will grow from 7.2 billion to 10 billion people in the next few decades. Most of them will live in growing cities. Demands for all resources will increase: especially food, clean water and natural resources. Climate change from our fossil fuel use is causing severe consequences: stronger storms, extended droughts, disease migration and sea level rise. If trends continue, the predictions are dire for all nations.

Presenters: 
Ana Brandao
Leticia Carvalho
Ashjeet Talwar
Trevor Conger