Paul Joskow, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology research director, will discuss using economic incentives — and disincentives — to spur cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. One method is to simply put a tax on carbon dioxide emissions.

Joan Ogden, co-director of a California program exploring hydrogen power, will discuss hydrogen’s growth as fuel.

While creating hydrogen fuel cells is an energy-intensive process now, Ogden believes that over the long term, hydrogen could be the most feasible way to power vehicles with zero emissions.

Lee Rybeck Lynd, a Dartmouth College engineering professor, will discuss the emerging use of biomass, including ethanol, as fuel.

Jeremiason and his students, are a bit ahead of the curve on biomass.

His class conducts chemical reactions on vegetable oil by adding methanol and lye, transforming it into biodiesel that runs in Jeremiason’s old Mercedes.

Jeremiason said another possible way to use biomass would be to use enzymes from the guts of termites to break down wood.

On the Web: For a complete list of presenters, a schedule and a chance to register online, visit gustavus.edu/events/nobelconference/2007.