IFER's Winter session at COLEF

Last Tuesday about ten of us went down to Tijuana, where we were given a warm welcome by our friends and colleagues at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte. This quarter's session featured the following talks:

1.  Dr. Zayre Gonzalez (CICESE) & Jocelyn Gonzalez Troncoso (MAIA): "Use of a Rapid Impact Assesment Matrix to evaluate environmental impact in a geothermal-electrical project."
2. Luis Garcia Hernandez (MAIA): "Feasibility of using wind power in Mexico."  (in Spanish) 

The first talk presented a mathematical model (a "Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix") to analyze the complete impact of a geothermal project on a site near Mexicali. The result, after a consideration of the social, environmental, and economic effects of such a project, was negative, implying that such a project would have more drawbacks than benefits. In the process of the talk, we were introduced to geothermal energy as an alternative energy source, and how it is potentially more dangerous than conventional energy sources, depending on the place.

The second talk gave a general overview of wind power in Mexico, and the potential energy that could be exploited.

Although both talks were thus squarely framed in a science/engineering context, the discussion brought up some interesting issues very relevant to social sciences and humanities researchers. For example, apparently all of the wind power generated in a field in Northern Baja California is meant for exportation to San Diego. Moreover, the wind turbines are built by foreign companies, and barely create employment opportunities. Though one of course has to applaud the Mexican government's investment in renewable energy, the laudatory tone that accompanies such projects needs to be nuanced by a close look at who benefits from such projects.

As for the geothermal energy, it was strange for some of us to see social, environmental, and economic factors framed in the same calculation, with every "area" being assigned an equal value. In a humanities context, equating social with economic importance would be a heavily criticized move.

These thoughts do not subtract at all from the quality of the presentations, and the openness with which the presenters addressed people's concerns. We got to talk more about this afterwards, during a well-catered reception at COLEF lit by sun setting on the ocean. The parting was bittersweet, as Gabriela Muñoz, whom we've worked so closely with these past years, is withdrawing as leading coordinator for COLEF, being replaced by Carlos Vazquez. Although we are sad to see Gabriela go, we look forward to working with Carlos in the future.

As is traditional on such visits, after leaving COLEF all members of IFER enjoyed the culinary offerings of Tijuana, in the process discussing themes ranging from environmental politics to literature. It was a wonderful conclusion to a productive quarter.