Key Takeaways
- State and local policymakers can combat extreme heat and rising energy costs through a “resilient cooling strategy,” as outlined by the Federation of American Scientists.
- This strategy focuses on enhancing buildings, communities, and the electric grid to ensure safe indoor temperatures and prevent power outages.
- The report emphasizes cooling access as a human right and offers solutions to improve economic and workforce development while addressing health risks associated with extreme heat.
Resilient Cooling Strategies for Extreme Heat
A recent report from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) highlights the urgent need for state and local policymakers to implement a “resilient cooling strategy” in response to extreme heat conditions and escalating energy costs. This comprehensive approach integrates three crucial systems: buildings, communities, and the electric grid, enabling residents to maintain safe indoor temperatures and minimize the risk of power outages.
Autumn Burton, a senior associate at FAS, emphasizes that the report serves as a toolkit for leaders seeking to tackle the challenges posed by increased heat. She asserts, “We already have the tools at our disposal, and this is an urgent issue that we could start to solve tomorrow.”
According to Climate Central, since 1970, 97% of the 240 U.S. locations surveyed have experienced an uptick in the number of days requiring cooling for safe indoor conditions. Furthermore, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that energy consumption for air conditioning in residential buildings will surge more significantly than other uses through 2050. Burton notes that extreme heat is the most lethal weather-related hazard in the U.S., leading to more fatalities annually than any other cause. She argues for the recognition of cooling as a fundamental human right, advocating for its availability in every household.
The FAS report outlines five guiding principles for local policymakers:
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Expand Cooling Access and Affordability: This principle encourages tax incentives, utility rebates, and grants aimed at making cooling solutions more accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Integrate Public Health into Energy Planning: Policymakers should prioritize public health considerations in building codes and energy standards, ensuring better responses to heat-related health risks.
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Reduce Reliance on High-Emissions Energy Sources: By adopting cleaner energy solutions, communities can mitigate their environmental impact while ensuring reliable cooling options.
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Promote Grid Resilience: It is vital to foster a robust and adaptable electric grid that can withstand heat surges without service interruptions.
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Develop a Skilled Workforce: Building expertise in resilient cooling technologies will be key to supporting economic growth and addressing cooling needs.
Burton highlights that by expanding cooling access and affordability, policymakers can not only decrease heat-related illnesses and fatalities but also foster economic development. This includes job creation and preparing a workforce capable of implementing next-generation cooling solutions. The report thus frames proactive measures against extreme heat as a multifaceted strategy for both immediate health benefits and long-term socio-economic advancement.
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