Blog

Energy Education

SEE Careers: Electrician

The world comes alive and allows us to live day and night thanks to the power of electricity. Since Thomas Edison invented the electric lightbulb in 1879, our lives have been transformed and propelled forward through the electric currents that flow through the nation. Imagine the consequences of something as seemingly minor as a two or three-day blackout. Without the ability to refrigerate our food, communicate through technology or use transportation safely, a city is left at a huge and dangerous disadvantage.

Read More »
Energy Education

SEE Careers: Energy Manager 

Readily available water and energy means we have the ability and time to accomplish tasks more easily than ever before. However, as convenient as this is, the waste created through daily activities can quickly get out of hand if not managed properly. Unnecessary energy waste has proven to be expensive and damaging to the environment, which can be off putting to clients. Additionally, shifting views surrounding sustainability and the financial savings that come with energy efficiency have encouraged small businesses and large corporations alike to be more responsible with their resources. Everything from adjusting the AC to reducing the energy used after hours can save companies thousands of dollars each year. Energy management gives organizations an advantage by implementing conservation and efficiency strategies to reduce waste as much as possible. 

Read More »
Energy Education

SEE Careers: Water Careers in the Energy Sector

Water and energy share a unique connection. Creating energy requires water for dams, extracting fossil fuels, and cooling in thermal processes. On the other hand, gaining access to water through extraction, treatment, and distribution to the region’s population requires abundant energy. You can’t have one without the other. Jobs related to energy and water, therefore, become essential. 

Read More »
Energy Education

How are Cities Connected to Energy?

The city and the countryside offer distinct freedoms. In one, you have access to services nearly 24/7. You can order food to your door at three in the morning and hop on a ten-minute bus ride to your job. The other allows you free range to roam. You have room to grow and harvest food. There’s less pollution and more land. Each allows for a unique lifestyle that will seem more appealing depending on personal preferences and goals. As a society, Americans tend to think of the two as opposites that never see eye to eye. However, as different as they seem, they rely on each other and are much more connected than you might think.

Read More »
Energy Education

How is wealth connected to energy?

Wealth can be described as the possessions, goods, and liberties that provide a person with a good quality of life. The more wealth a person has, the higher quality of life they can enjoy. When we think of modern wealth, we automatically picture lavish lifestyles, fancy cars, and large beautiful houses. But in reality, the well-being of a community is more complex than material goods. Wealth, security, and innovation go hand in hand. Modern energy has catapulted this aspect of our lives to new heights, uncovering new avenues for our societies to flourish. 

Read More »
Energy Education

How is war connected to energy?

War has been a part of humanity since the beginning of civilization. We fight wars over water, land, spices, resources, and most importantly, energy. However, people often don’t pay much attention to where their energy comes from. They don’t see that its influence and contribution to war and national security are incredibly significant and impact everyone’s daily lives. 

Read More »
Sustainability

How is Transportation Connected to Energy? 

Before modern modes of transportation like cars, planes, and ships, travel was drastically different. Long-distance travel was highly energy-intensive. People were unlikely to voyage very far from their birthplace. Moving away from home was only considered under extreme circumstances. Having to rely on animals or sometimes just your own strength to carry you along the way meant your voyage could easily last days or months. You were likely to run into robbers, storms, and other obstacles that made these voyages not only dangerous but expensive. 

Read More »
Food

How is Food Connected to Energy? 

Modern energy has successfully facilitated the production and distribution of produce and meat products on a larger scale than ever before. Our society seems to no longer be subject to regional or seasonal limitations. Consequently, we have developed a food culture of overconsumption. But how exactly is food correlated with energy? And why is building a sustainable food system so important? 

Read More »
Sustainability

How is Water Connected to Energy?

In our modern world, we use water for almost everything in our daily lives. The sustainable use of our water resources is critical. And the ability to maximize their potential is essential for our way of life. The problem of access to water is more complicated than it might seem. A significant amount of energy is needed to obtain, treat, desalinate and transport water. Consequently, creating a double-edged sword. So why does water seem to come so quickly to our homes if it takes so much energy? And what actions can we take to conserve our water resources?

Read More »
Video

Earth Day 2022 Screening & Discussion

On April 22, 2022 KLRN Public Television hosted a virtual screening of the PBS and Amazon Prime series Power Trip: The Story of Energy. This screening featured the “Best of Season One” episode, followed by a discussion about careers focused on energy and the environment with Julia Murphy, the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer for City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability, Heather Ginsburg, the Field Education Programs Coordinator for the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), and Angela Rodriguez the Director of Climate Strategy & Sustainability at CPS Energy.

Read More »