Extended Abstract (68K)2A.1
Energy Systems and Adaptation issues
Sue Tierney, Analysis Group, Inc., Boston, MA
While it is well understand that combustion of fossil fuels contributes significantly to climate change, much less is known about the effects of climate change on energy-producing and energy-using activities in the U.S. Using a case example of how extreme weather events (i.e., Hurricanes Katrina and Rita) impacted not only the energy infrastructure of the Gulf Coast region in the Fall of 2005 but also the prices and performance of oil, gas and electricity markets around the nation for months thereafter, this paper will highlight what is known and less certain about ways in which energy consumers and energy supply systems will be affected by climate change. As regions' climates change, there will be impacts on renewable resources (e.g., hydroelectric power production in regions experiencing drier conditions); effects on power delivery technologies (e.g., the carrying capacity of transmission lines in hot summer periods); impacts on energy use in buildings (e.g., as air conditioning use increases in hotter summer periods); and many more. The purpose of the presentation will be to highlight the need to pay closer attention to the types of impacts that might occur on energy production and use, and to consider ways to adapt in the future.
Session 2A, Adaptation to Climate Change (continued)
Monday, 21 January 2008, 10:45 AM-11:45 AM, 215-216
Next paper
Recorded presentation