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Systems for the supply and use of energy are essential to modern civilization. However, these systems involve a variety of impacts on the environment and society. Through IRSS's Energy and environment programs, we seek to improve understanding of such impacts, and to promote policies, technologies and practices that minimize adverse impacts. We examine the impacts of nuclear, fossil and renewable energy systems, considering direct and indirect impacts in the short term and long term. The program is directed by Dr. Gordon Thompson. Frequently, IRSS's work in this program area is done in partnership with other organizations.
Our work in this program area often overlaps work done in other IRSS program areas. For example, the potential diversion of nuclear-energy technologies and materials toward production of nuclear weapons is an important issue of international security. Also, the vulnerability of nuclear-energy facilities to attack is an important issue in the contexts of asymmetric warfare and terrorism. Both issues are relevant to IRSS's Global human security program area. As another example, the modern world's dependence on fossil fuels has implications for our Sustainable development program area.
IRSS's Energy and environment program activities occur within the following categories:
