In times of drought, hydropower becomes scarce in the American West, leading utilities to rely on coal, oil, or natural gas to meet electricity demands. This exacerbates carbon emissions, methane leakage, air pollution, and associated health risks, according to a new study by Stanford University. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that these impacts have cost millions of dollars and highlights the importance of accounting for them in the assessment of climate change costs. As droughts become more frequent and severe due to climate change, the study emphasizes the need to invest in renewable energy to combat these adverse effects.
The Stanford study estimates that between 2001 and 2021, drought-induced fossil electricity generation in Western states resulted in damages worth $20 billion. Carbon emissions accounted for $14 billion of the damages, while additional air pollution and methane leakage accounted for $5.1 billion and $1 billion, respectively. The consequences extend beyond state borders, as neighboring regions also feel the impact when hydropower runs low. The study highlights the global implications, particularly for countries heavily reliant on hydropower facing increased drought risks due to climate change.
The researchers stress the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to mitigate these damages. Although solar, wind, and battery storage are gaining traction, the study shows that fossil fuel power plants are projected to remain dominant during periods of high electricity demand. Expanding renewable energy alongside improved energy storage systems is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and limiting the negative effects of drought-induced shifts in energy supply.
More Information:
The study, titled “Drought impacts on the electricity system, emissions, and air quality in the western United States,” was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300395120
Citation: Droughts in Western states drive up emissions and threaten human health (2023, July 17) retrieved 17 July 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-droughts-western-states-emissions-threaten.html
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