Dissecting How Has Electricity Changed Our Lives and Climate Change

Relationship Between Electricity and Climate Change

Electrical energy is something I consume a lot, which has a high impact on climate change. Even though it is not possible to live without electricity because of how has electricity changed our lives, we use it in every moment of the day. Electricity has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. However, in light of the pressing issue of climate change, it is crucial to take proactive measures before it is too late. Along with the effects of climate change, there will be an extreme increase in the demand for energy worldwide. According to studies published by Nature Communications, global energy demand in 2050 is projected to grow between 11% and 27% under modest warming scenarios, and between 25% and 58% under high warming scenarios. Vast regions such as the tropics, southern Europe, China, and the United States are expected to experience the largest increases in energy demand.

The researchers did not focus on a single country or a particular economic sector but carried out a global analysis using the temperature projections of 21 climate models and the economic and population projections of five socio-economic scenarios. The information obtained was included in a statistical model to calculate the changes in demand for three fuels and four economic sectors, with the aim of determining the change in energy demand in 2050 compared to today's climate.

Growth in Global Electricity Demand

According to the study published in Nature Communications, electricity to cool environments in industry and the service sector will weigh on the growth in energy demand. Paradoxically, however, the energy sector will be able to offer the ideal solution to combat air pollution. Sustainable actions will in fact be fundamental to understanding how to produce that surplus of electricity required, which otherwise will lead to the increase in temperatures, a growth in consumption and a simultaneous increase in emissions.

Challenges in Electricity Consumption Adjustments

The researcher of the study showed that our societies would adapt to changing temperatures by increasing the cooling of the rooms during the hot seasons and decreasing the heating during the cold seasons. But this will also affect energy systems, with a lower demand for natural gas and oil (reduced heating needs) and more electricity for greater cooling needs in the rooms

The study, however, does not consider the adjustments in the supply of fuels and prices by the market and the responses of producers and consumers around the world. Variations that could lead to less extreme changes in energy consumption. Meanwhile, however, the scenario that awaits us for half a century has been traced: it will be necessary to intervene in a virtuous way to avoid the disruptions of climate change. 

Works Cited

1. Nature Communications. 'Global energy demand to increase due to climate change.' Nature Communications, vol. 9, no. 5, 2018, pp. 1-10.