Abstract: A transition to a renewable energy economy has the potential to help mitigate the negative impacts of anthropogenic climate change. Additionally, a framework that addresses energy efficiency has the potential to create significant economic and social advantages. Developing new clean energy technologies can also foster positive relationships between nations, including those in the developing world. As far as providing incentives for advancing these new technologies, funding is essential. New technology requires human creativity and resources, and while costs can be controlled, inadequate funding will hamper the development of the desired technologies. Education also is needed to help citizens understand the potential consequences of failing to adopt a renewable energy policy. Furthermore, given the global implications of the issue, a robust policy must consider the impact of climate change on relationships with other nations, particularly those in the developing world. Establishing a clean energy policy will provide standards for monitoring and further researching factors contributing to climate change. In this way, the policy will enhance efforts to understand the origins of climate change and the steps needed to avoid the worst effects. This research addresses the need for a comprehensive clean energy policy and examines the effects that such a strategy could have on the global environment and the economy.

Brief biography of the speaker:
Dr. Rich Snow teaches Meteorology, Climatology, Climate Change, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Research Methods and Statistics in the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He earned a Ph.D. in Physical Geography with a specialty in Life Sciences from Indiana State University as well as a Master of Science degree in Geoscience and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a Philosophy minor from Western Kentucky University. Dr. Snow has presented research to numerous professional organizations such as the American Meteorological Society, the National Weather Association, the National Council for Geographic Education, the Association of American Geographers, the Florida Academy of Science, and the University Aviation Association. He and his wife, Dr. Mary Snow, have presented at international conferences in Greece, Germany, France, the Netherlands, England, Cancun, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. The pair have co-authored dozens of refereed journal articles and published numerous papers in peer-reviewed conference proceedings. The Snows recently co-authored a textbook entitled Climatology: An Atmospheric Science published by Prentice-Hall.