Fargo, N.D. –– The NDSU Science Café presentation, “Energy and our future: What is the problem, how big is it and what are our options?” is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. in Stoker’s Basement, Hotel Donaldson, 101 N. Broadway, Fargo. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Kenton Rodgers, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at NDSU, will lead the discussion, which will address current energy consumption issues and how they could increase in the foreseeable future. He also will present on whether or not current technology can meet projected energy needs.

According to Rodgers, discussions of energy seem to be dominated by two points of view in how society is powered – change or stay the same. Advocates of change are driven by environmental and future quality-of-life concerns raised by using fossil fuels. The opposing viewpoint, steered by economic and political interests, defends the current energy processes.

“Public discourse related to our energy future is often emotionally and politically charged, in part because opposing points of view both use fear tactics to influence the way the general public thinks about energy issues,” Rodgers said. “Nevertheless, most people seem to agree that our societies operate through the use of very large amounts of energy and that the amount is getting larger.”

The Science Café is a monthly presentation by a scientist to spur discussion on various topics. It is sponsored by NDSU’s College of Science and Mathematics.