FIRE Keeps the Flame Burning

On Monday, June 7, the Class of 2024 gathered in small groups to share insights gained from their end-of-term Freshmen Interdisciplinary Research Experience (FIRE) history projects focusing on the theme of sustainability.

Students investigated topics related to sustainability, then created and taught a 10-minute lesson to their classmates. Some of the lesson themes included cryptocurrency and its energy usage, veganism, national parks, climate change readiness in the military, sustainable architecture, the impacts of climate change on the stock market, fast fashion, methane produced by cows, sustainability in AI, and the psychology behind climate change deniers to name a few. 

Ana Balshi '24 created a fantastic website that showcases her interview with her aunt who lives in Switzerland about the attitudes and actions of the Swiss people and government towards sustainable practices. 

After all students had opportunities to share their independent research, small-group discussions led by faculty.

Emma Derby '24 researched and taught the class about carbon sequestration technology, a method of drawing carbon out of the atmosphere that is important and some argue necessary if the world is to achieve carbon neutrality in the future. 

Alicia Gordon '24 and Zander Richie '24 shared with the class the astonishing amount of methane that is emitted when a cow burps (methane from 1 cow/year is more than from 1 car/year!) Methane is a strong greenhouse gas, therefore reducing the amount of methane in the atmosphere could have a significant impact on slowing the rate of climate change! 

Jackson Reid '24, Robert Meier '24, and Aman Desai '24 discussed the shocking amount of energy required to sustain cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. According to Forbes, "A single bitcoin transaction uses roughly 707.6 kilowatt-hours of electrical energy–equivalent to the power consumed by an average U.S. household over 24 days." 

These for the long haul. Over this summer, faculty intend to refine the FIRE program to allow students even more opportunities for original thinking and intensive reflection. Given the fine achievements of the Class of 2024 this year, we look forward to a more sustainable future for all!