Energy security, climate change and society

The UN's Sustainable Development Goal #7 (SDG#7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. According to the World Energy Council, a sustainable energy system is one that achieves three goals: energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. However, the ability to meet SDG#7 and achieve these three goals creates inherent tensions, which together comprise the "energy trilemma." In this course, we will analyze the various goals and inherent tensions of the energy trilemma, as well as the challenges in achieving them simultaneously. Using case studies and a simulation game, we will deconstruct the term "energy security" and critically examine how it is influenced and shaped by politics and geopolitics, climate change and the energy transition, economic development, and the need to eliminate energy poverty. Special emphasis will be placed on Israel and the Middle East, exploring sustainable energy as a potential bridge to peace and regional stability.