Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security from edX

This course provides research-based and on-the-ground tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities. Through a framework combining renewable energy in microgrids, and Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) security and infrastructure, this course synthesizes concepts into a holistic approach to community planning, improvement, and resiliency.

Learn about existing and emerging renewable energy sources and technologies and explore examples from Alaska, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric facilities.
Examine underlying causes of food, energy, and water insecurity in Arctic, subarctic, and northern rural communities.
Gain insights into Arctic and subarctic lifestyles, including the roles and impacts of wild harvests, plant-based foods, and health disparities.
Learn about food, energy, and water security and analyze the interactions among food, energy, and water usage, for example: energy and water use in the production, transportation, and storage of food; energy usage in treating drinking water and wastewater for human health; water demands and fuel costs for electricity production; appropriate food systems, energy, and water resource usage and allocation; climate change impacts, fossil fuels and environmental impacts.
Gain specialized expertise on a variety of Arctic energy issues affecting its residents and Indigenous peoples, from engineering to social science to traditional community knowledge.
Learn the key concepts with practical, Alaska-focused examples.
Use real wind and solar data and various analysis tools to make community energy assessments.
Apply the FEW nexus approach to guide decisions about renewable energy alternatives.
Learn from National Science Foundation-funded researchers and staff from a variety of disciplines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Anchorage, the University of Calgary, Stanford, and the private sector. Connections with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, Award #1740075 INFEWS/T3: Coupling infrastructure improvements to food-energy-water system dynamics in small cold region communities: MicroFEWs.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural alaska, with broader applications to the arctic.
Compare mature and emerging renewable energy technologies with examples from alaska
Define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the arctic and beyond.
Analyze the feedbacks between renewable energy generation and the local drivers of food, energy, and water security.
Explore and discuss scientific and social issues that arise when utilizing food, energy, and water resources.

Organize and quantify food and water security data.
Use renewable energy resource data to create energy assessments.
Learn how modular food and water applications can optimize renewable energy inputs in the arctic and beyond.
Apply decision making methodologies to develop community level recommendations based on resource energy assessments combined with food and water security information.

Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural alaska, with broader applications to the arctic.
Compare mature and emerging renewable energy technologies with examples from alaska
Define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the arctic and beyond.
Analyze the feedbacks between renewable energy generation and the local drivers of food, energy, and water security.
Explore and discuss scientific and social issues that arise when utilizing food, energy, and water resources.
Organize and quantify food and water security data.
Use renewable energy resource data to create energy assessments.
Learn how modular food and water applications can optimize renewable energy inputs in the arctic and beyond.
Apply decision making methodologies to develop community level recommendations based on resource energy assessments combined with food and water security information.

Syllabus

Module 1: Life in Alaska

Introduction to Alaska

Introduction to the Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus

Introduction to FEWtureville

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides research-based tools for community planners, grid designers, and business leaders to improve and implement stronger and more resilient renewable energy systems in Arctic communities

Helps learners define how food, energy, and water impacts community well-being in the Arctic and beyond

Explore current states of food, energy, and water systems in rural Alaska, with broader applications to the Arctic

Teaches learners to apply the FEW nexus approach to guide decisions about renewable energy alternatives

Examines underlying causes of food, energy, and water insecurity in Arctic, subarctic, and northern rural communities

Learn the key concepts with practical, Alaska-focused examples

Reviews summary

Holistic approach to resilient cold communities

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and comprehensive exploration of the Food, Energy, and Water (FEW) Nexus. Learners praise its holistic approach and the strong emphasis on practical, Alaska-focused examples, which ground theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. The expert instructors from various disciplines deliver valuable insights, particularly regarding renewable energy technologies and community well-being. Many found the real-world data and analysis tools provided to be highly beneficial for making informed decisions on FEW security in cold regions. While some wish for deeper technical dives, the course provides a strong foundational understanding for professionals and those interested in sustainable development.

Pacing generally good; some desired more interaction.

"I felt the pacing was good and the content flowed logically."

"I found it less engaging than expected, wishing for more interactive elements."

"While the topics are important, the presentation sometimes felt dry."

Provides a strong foundation, less detail for advanced learners.

"Some parts felt a bit introductory if you already have a background in energy systems."

"I was hoping for more hands-on exercises beyond the data analysis."

"For someone already familiar, it might be more of a refresher than a deep dive."

Taught by knowledgeable faculty across various disciplines.

"The instructors were clearly experts and presented the material in an accessible way."

"The insights from the University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty were top-notch."

"I appreciated the blend of engineering, social science, and traditional knowledge."

Uses real-world data and case studies from cold regions.

"The Alaska-focused examples were incredibly insightful and grounded the theoretical concepts."

"The practical, Alaska-focused examples were invaluable for understanding cold region challenges."

"I particularly appreciated the modules on real-world data and analysis tools for community energy assessments."

Integrates food, energy, and water for community resilience.

"This course gave me concrete tools and a deeper understanding of the integrated FEW approach."

"The holistic approach is valuable, connecting theoretical concepts with practical application."

"Truly opened my eyes to the complexities of FEW security through an interdisciplinary lens."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security with these activities:

Read 'Renewable Energy: Sources, Technologies, and Applications'

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Reviewing this comprehensive book can provide a solid foundation in renewable energy concepts and technologies, enhancing your understanding of the course material.

View Renewable Energy Resources on Amazon

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Read through the book's chapters, focusing on sections that align with the course topics.
Highlight key concepts, definitions, and examples.
Summarize each chapter's main points in your own words.
Create flashcards or notes to aid in memorizing important terms and concepts.

Compile course materials

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Compiling course materials for this course can provide you with a centralized repository of resources, helping you get organized and access key materials with ease.

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Review the course syllabus and identify essential readings and resources.
Create a system for storing and organizing course notes, assignments, and other materials.
Scan or digitally file important handouts and documents, as well as create separate folders for each module or topic.
Use a digital note-taking app to capture key points during lectures and readings.

Learn about energy efficiency

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Engaging with tutorials on energy efficiency can complement your understanding of renewable energy systems, highlighting strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

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Identify online resources and platforms that offer tutorials on energy efficiency measures and technologies.
Explore tutorials on topics such as energy-efficient building design, appliance efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
Review case studies and examples of successful energy efficiency projects to gain practical insights.
Consider the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency, and its role in promoting sustainable energy systems.

Five other activities

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Explore renewable energy research

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Engaging with tutorials on renewable energy research can supplement your understanding of the course material, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.

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Seek out reputable sources and online platforms that offer tutorials on renewable energy technologies and their applications.
Review introductory tutorials to gain a broad overview of renewable energy concepts and principles.
Explore specific tutorials on different types of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass, and their advantages and limitations.
Consider tutorials that delve into the environmental and economic aspects of renewable energy, including their impact on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Analyze energy data

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Practicing data analysis in the context of renewable energy can sharpen your critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to draw meaningful insights from energy-related data.

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Familiarize yourself with real-world datasets related to renewable energy production, consumption, and environmental factors.
Use data visualization tools to create charts, graphs, and maps that illustrate patterns and trends in the data.
Apply statistical techniques to analyze the data, identify correlations and relationships, and draw conclusions about renewable energy systems.
Consider the implications of your findings and explore potential applications in energy policy and planning.

Develop a renewable energy proposal

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Embarking on a project that involves developing a renewable energy proposal can provide you with practical experience in applying the concepts learned in the course and exploring real-world challenges and solutions.

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Identify a specific community or region that faces challenges related to energy access, affordability, or sustainability.
Research and analyze the energy needs and resources of the community, considering factors such as population, climate, and existing infrastructure.
Develop a proposal outlining a comprehensive renewable energy plan that addresses the community's energy challenges, incorporating specific technologies, implementation strategies, and sustainability considerations.
Present your proposal to stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and potential investors, to gather feedback and support.

Create a renewable energy blog

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Creating a blog dedicated to renewable energy can serve as an effective platform to share your knowledge, engage with others, and reinforce your understanding of the subject matter.

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Choose a blogging platform that suits your needs and target audience.
Brainstorm and research topics related to renewable energy, such as emerging technologies, case studies, and policy updates.
Write well-informed and engaging blog posts, incorporating relevant images, videos, and data to support your points.
Promote your blog through social media and other channels to attract readers and foster discussions.

Contribute to open energy data projects

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Participating in open energy data projects can provide valuable hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization, and collaboration, while contributing to the broader field of renewable energy.

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Identify open energy data repositories and projects that align with your interests and skills.
Explore the data and documentation provided by the project, familiarizing yourself with its structure and content.
Contribute to data analysis, visualization, or other tasks as needed, following the project's guidelines and best practices.
Share your findings and insights with the project community through documentation, presentations, or discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Powering Resilient Communities: A Holistic Approach to Food, Energy, and Water Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design, develop, and maintain renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the principles of renewable energy technologies and how to use them to generate electricity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability initiatives for organizations. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and promote social responsibility. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve sustainability goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analysts research and analyze energy policies and their impact on the environment, economy, and society. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve policy goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Food Security Analyst

Food Security Analysts research and analyze food security issues, such as hunger, malnutrition, and food safety. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve food security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Security Analyst

Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water resources systems, such as dams, reservoirs, and canals. They work to ensure that water is available for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve water resource management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability initiatives. They work to reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and promote social responsibility. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve sustainability goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts research and analyze climate change data and trends. They work to develop and implement strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to mitigate climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Utility Planner

Utility Planners develop and implement plans for the development and operation of utility systems, such as electric, gas, and water systems. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve utility planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Utility Planner

Energy Systems Analyst

Energy Systems Analysts analyze energy systems and develop recommendations for improving their efficiency and effectiveness. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to improve energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Systems Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research on environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. They work to develop solutions to these problems and protect the environment. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers evaluate and develop renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. This course teaches the principles of renewable energy technologies and how to assess their feasibility and impact on the environment. This knowledge is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer

Energy Auditor

Energy Auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and systems. They work to identify ways to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. This course would provide a strong foundation for this role, as it would provide knowledge of renewable energy technologies and how to assess their feasibility and impact on energy consumption.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Auditor

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems. A course on the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus can be helpful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the interdependencies between these systems and how to use renewable energy to reduce environmental impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course may be useful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve project goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues and develop recommendations for policy changes. This course may be useful for this role, as it would provide knowledge of the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus and how to use renewable energy to achieve policy goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst