Question One: What do you think will be our primary source of energy in 20 years?

Rebecca Dodder

What do you think will be our primary source of energy in 20 years? It is impossible to predict how our energy system will look in the long-term future. However, coal and natural gas will probably continue to be key sources of energy for electricity and industrial heat and power, and oil the primary source of transportation energy. A major uncertainty is how we address the impacts of energy production and use on the environment, particularly on climate change. How we respond to these
monumental environmental challenges will shape our energy future for years to come.
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Jean Posbic

Fossil fuels (coal, nuclear, gas) will still dominate the World energy arena yet with a significant penetration of renewable (solar and wind mainly) sources, hopefully 5% and more.

Question Two: What was your major as an undergraduate?

Rebecca Dodder

I had a double major in Physics and Spanish. I was often "encouraged" to drop the Spanish major for something like Math. However, it helped open the door to work on a fantastic project researching air quality in Mexico City - I worked on this project during my entire PhD.

Jean Posbic

Nuclear Physics (I subsequently literally saw the light and earned a solar energy focused Ph.D.)

In your opinion, what country is doing the most to develop alternative energy resources?

Rebecca Dodder

It's hard to pick one country, since it depends in large part on what resources are available in a country for wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or even biomass for producing either electricity, heat or fuels. Germany has been pushing forward aggressively with their plans for renewable energy, as have several other European countries. Iceland is unique because of its potential for both hydropower and geothermal power, and has taken advantage of those sources of energy. For biofuels, Brazil has a lot of experience with ethanol fuel from local sugar cane.

The US is now moving ahead on several forms of renewable energy, including solar, wind, and biofuels, and we can hopefully take a leadership role in renewable energy over the next several years and decades. In addition, probably the best "alternative" energy resource is to use less energy and use the energy resources we have more efficiently.

Jean Posbic

Today it's Germany; other European countries are increasing their shares: Spain, Italy, Greece and France. Denmark is a leader in wind electricity. Japan also occupied a leadership position a few years back and is recovering too. Hopefully the US will become again a leader in solar and wind with the incentives promoted by the new administration.

If you could meet any scientist from the past, who would it be and why?

Rebecca Dodder

I spend my free time with my husband and twin boys doing fun things like going to the zoo, the local "farm tour", or just to the swings on the playground. I also spend my free time cooking, working on our (very small) garden, learning to take better photos, and seeing friends on the weekend.

Jean Posbic

I fly a glider or sailplane (solar powered!)