COAL, CHINA & KYOTO: A CASE STUDY ILLUSTRATING THE GEOLOGIC, ECONOMIC AND GLOBAL ASPECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY

Individuals following the climate change debate commonly encounter three recurring themes: greenhouse gas production by coal-fired power plants; China's impact on future global greenhouse gas production; and the Kyoto Protocol and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have developed a 3 part case study that examines these issues from a variety of viewpoints, i.e. geologic, economic and social. It involves qualitative assessments, quantitative computations, spatial visualization, critical thinking, oral presentations and written reports. Part I has student groups assume the role of coal mine geologists. Each group, i.e. company, has a budget for exploring four potential coal leases. They must devise an exploration drilling program to locate the coal seams and determine each seam's depth, thickness, orientation, rank and quality. Based on these factors, they must recommend which leases to develop and identify how (i.e. mine type and mining method). Part II switches to economic and technical aspects of electricity generation. Assuming two different scenarios, student groups assume the role of power company engineers tasked with expanding power plant capacity to meet growing electricity demand. Scenario 1, no future carbon tax, has two options: stealth expansion of a Clean Air Act (CCA) exempt coal-fired plant; and CCA-compliant plant expansion. Scenario II, future carbon tax, investigates two options: advanced plant design; and nuclear option. For each option, students calculate capital construction and annual fuel costs as well as annual fuel consumption and emissions (SO₂, NO_X, CO₂, fly ash). Part III concentrates on global concerns by having students assume the role of diplomats from different countries (US, Japan, China, EU). They are tasked with negotiating the next Kyoto Protocol and must approach the negotiations from the standpoint of their assigned country. Focus groups have shown students find the case study informative and engaging. They cite the impact of Part II in making concrete the magnitude of carbon dioxide emitted from a power plant as well as the impact of technology on emissions. Part III has been particularly useful in expanding student's understanding of perspectives other than the U.S. in the global climate change debate. This case study can be accessed at http://tmf.gg.uwyo.edu/.