The increasing demand for air conditioning worldwide is expected to triple by 2050 as global temperatures continue to rise. However, extreme heat events and power outages pose a significant threat to the use of air conditioning. In Louisiana, Hurricane Ida left over a million people without power in August 2021, which was exacerbated by a subsequent heat wave with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination of severe weather, heatwaves, and power outages is becoming more frequent due to climate change.
The aging infrastructure of the power grid is not adequately equipped to handle the challenges posed by extreme weather events such as storms and heatwaves. We have seen examples of power outages during extreme heat events in California, the Pacific Northwest, and Europe, leading to dangerous situations for residents. Heat stress can have severe health consequences, and blackouts during hot weather can be particularly hazardous. Scientists have warned of the potential impact of heatwaves combined with multi-day power outages, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the vulnerabilities of the power grid in the face of climate change.