Climate Change Report: Effects on US Energy Supply

Demands for more cooling energy (electricity) than heating energy (oil and gas), rising sea-levels, reduced snowfall and warmer rivers are among the effects of climate change on U.S. energy production and use predicted by the Department of Energy in the latest report from its Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). But you don't have to call it, "global warming."

The CCSP's report, "Effects of Climate Change on Energy Production and Use in the United States -- Version 4.5" summarizes known potential effects of climate change on energy production and use and identifies where research is needed to reduce uncertainties about those effects.

What are some of the potential effects?

• Since more cooling than heating will be needed, and most cooling in the U.S. is powered by electricity, a greater demand will be placed on the nation's electrical production and distribution system.

• Climate change could mean increased exposure to severe weather events, especially in storm-prone coastal areas.

• Reduced snowfall in the West would mean reduced water supplies for generation of hydroelectric power.

• Rising sea-levels could have long-term effects on the location of new power plants along the coasts.

• Warming of the atmosphere and water in rivers used to cool power plants could increase cooling demands and might reduce overall thermoelectric power plant efficiencies.

While the CCSP members found the effects of climate change on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and bioenergy to be of great interest, no conclusion were reported due to a lack of "current knowledge."

And, yes, these climate change-induced demands on the energy sector will also impact... price to the consumer.

Note:The CCSP was established by President Bush in 2002 to integrate the efforts of 13 federal agencies involved in research on global environmental change, and to manage the risks and opportunities of climate change.

Also See:
Global Warming Inevitable This Century, NSF Study Finds
Alternatives to Global Warming: U.S. Policy
Climate Study Predicts Dire Events
Is Global Warming a Hoax? (Environment)