Welcome to the Ecocity World Summit forum on Renewable Energy.

We wish herein to explore the truths of renewable energy, stripped as much as possible of political and other biases. What is meant by renewable? Does such a thing as renewable energy exist? On what spatial and time scales? What are the impacts of said renewable energies on human culture, economics, ecology, etc? How do our lifestyles determine our energy wants and needs?

Upon completion of my studies in molecular biology and physics, I studied protein pathways in Alzheimer's Disease. My true passion lies in the study of chemical and biological cycles, and their interconnectedness. This led to a research position at UC Berkeley, where I studied the various impacts (ecological, social etc.) monoculture oil palm plantations have and will have on the tropics, specifically Southeast Asia. I am currently writing a book on biofuels for the layperson with my father, Prof. Tad Patzek.