How does climate change affect production and use of energy? Changes in temperature could affect our energy demand. Rising air temperatures could increase energy needed for air conditioning, while reducing energy needed for space-heating. The net effects of these changes on energy production, use and utility bills also will vary by region and by season. Patterns in pumping water for agricultural irrigation may be affected as a higher temperature may cause more evaporation than usual. What is the electricity industry doing to address climate change? Currently, there is a lack of cost-effective technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Electric cooperatives and other utilities are working to develop new technologies and energy sources to reduce, avoid, and sequester or store emissions. Utilities across the nation are using and promoting alternative and renewable energy options, including wind energy, solar energy, hydropower and biomass (methane gas, wood waste, farm byproducts and ethanol). More than 700 electric coops offer renewable energy. In North Carolina, cooperatives and other utilities promote individual and business participation in the NC GreenPower program and other initiatves aimed at bringing more renewable energy sources into the state’s energy mix. The State’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives also have participated voluntarily for the past decade in the Department of Energy’s Climate Challenge Program and have been recognized for employing a fuel mix that actively avoids CO2 emissions. How can new technologies improve climate change concerns? New technologies that lead to greater energy efficiency are a primary focus for electric cooperatives. These include building modern, environmentally sound power plants and implementing carbon-efficient electric generation, such as nuclear energy, fuel cells and clean-coal technologies. Electric cooperatives are keeping pace with high-tech advancements to improve operations. What is North Carolina doing about climate change? Climate change could affect North Carolina in such ways as rising sea level, coastal erosion, higher energy and transportation costs, changing wind currents, and the quality of our water, soil and air. The state legislature appointed a Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change (www.nleg.net) to conduct an in-depth examination of issues related to global climate change. And the Climate Action Plan Advisory Group (www.ncclimatechange.us) is a multidisciplinary panel, managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, working to develop recommendations for specific actions to be taken in N.C. to help reduce or prevent climate change.
A composite satellite map of the Earth’s land surface in January and July 2004 from NASA’s Blue Marble: Next Generation Project. Snow-covered regions effectively cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight back into space. Changes in the range of snow cover can affect climate changes. (NASA image)
How can families and businesses address issues of climate change? ■ Participate in NC GreenPower: www.ncgreenpower.org ■ Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. By replacing the five most-used light bulbs in your house or business, you could save at least $60 per year on energy and help reduce emissions. (See www.energystar.gov) ■ Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and fuel-efficient vehicles. ■ Adjust your thermostat down in winter and up in summer. ■ Use water carefully. ■ Buy environmentally-sound products. ■ Consolidate driving trips. ■ Reduce, reuse and recycle what you use or discard. ■ Be energy-smart at work as well as at home. ■ Learn more about climate change and spread the word. Societies, wildlife and natural systems have adapted to changes in the environment throughout history.
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Prepared by Carolina Country and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Sources include U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and World Resources Institute. Carolina Country MARCH 2007 13
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