Energy in the Next 20 Years and Why It Matters
This talk explores global energy use over the past quarter-century, hazards some guesses about the next quarter-century, and poses some questions about how we can make meaningful change. I’ll discuss some examples specific to the US and China, cheerlead about the unique and exciting opportunities we offer at Western to study energy, and maybe tell a joke about light bulbs, banjos, or yogurt-beer.
About the Speaker
Darrin Magee is director of Western’s Institute for Energy Studies, a program unique in the country in offering both an interdisciplinary BS and BA in energy studies. Prior to that, he was a professor of environmental studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York for 15 years, where his research and teaching focused on energy and environment issues in East Asia. He is an expert on the Chinese energy sector, particularly on hydropower.
In 2024-2025, Dr. Magee was a science and technology advisor in the US Department of State through the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where he focused on the intersection of critical and emerging technologies and WMDs. He holds a PhD and MA from the University of Washington and BS and BA from Louisiana State University.
Environmental Speaker Series
The Environmental Speaker Series is hosted by the College of the Environment at Western Washington University.
The Series is free and open to the public. Talks are held each Thursday at 4:30 pm in Academic Instructional Center West room 204 - AW-204. Parking is available in lot C.