Huge Hurricanes Coming–Climate Crisis AM Edition 3/15/24
The use of electricity is increasing to unexpected levels. The primary reason is that data centers are used for AI and Bitcoin. According to The New York Times, “Over the past year, electric utilities have nearly doubled their forecasts of how much additional power they’ll need by 2028 as they confront an unexpected explosion in the number of data centers, an abrupt resurgence in manufacturing driven by new federal laws, and millions of electric vehicles being plugged in.”
US Fire Risk —Old Electric Poles
Next President —Climate’s Contribution
Oil prices may begin a sharp rise. The IEA expects supply to drop slightly while demand rises. According to The Wall Street Journal, based on an outlook for this year, “Oil-demand growth is now seen at 1.3 million barrels a day from a previous forecast of 1.2 million barrels a day, the Paris-based organization said. Total demand is expected to average 103.2 million barrels a day from previously 103 million barrels a day.” Much of the demand is from the US. Threats to traffic through the Suez Canal cut hurt supply. Look out for higher gas prices.
Disappearing Coal
The use of coal has plunged recently. According to Inside Climate News, “Coal-fired power plants generated 16.2 percent of the country’s electricity in 2023, a decrease from 19.7 percent in the prior year and down about half from a decade ago, according to the Energy Information Administration.” Natural gas has been the fuel used most often to replace coal.
Climate change could increase the power of Atlantic hurricanes compared to historical norms. According to Axios, “La Niña events may supercharge the Atlantic hurricane season, while also somewhat reducing global average surface temperatures.” The temperature in the Northern Atlantic is the highest in recorded history.
