2021 State of the West Symposium: Energy & Water in the West

TL;DR

Promoting regional collaboration for climate resilience and energy transitions.

Transcript

hello everyone and welcome to today's state of the west symposium i'm mark duggan the triony director of seeper the stanford institute for economic policy research and i'm very happy to be co-hosting today's event with the bill lane center for the american west and the hoover institution today's symposium is a chance for us to take stock of the eco... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Enabling regional collaboration is crucial for climate resilience and energy transition.
• 🥵 Predictable climate risks like extreme heat should be integrated into planning and policy processes.
• 😀 An integrated and systemic approach is needed for effective governance in the face of climate challenges.
• 📽️ Local adaptation projects should focus on cost-effective solutions for extreme climate events.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Infrastructure investments should prioritize resilience and health considerations alongside energy efficiency.
• ❓ Behavioral shifts and community engagement are crucial for successful energy transitions.
• 🦻 Financial incentives and support are needed to aid local governments in climate adaptation efforts.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can local adaptation to climate extremes be cost-effective?

Local adaptation requires thorough research on cost-effective solutions like home filters, cooling centers, and clean air centers.

Q: Can batteries effectively shift demand and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events?

Lithium-ion batteries can help shift loads and moderate the grid, but long-term storage solutions are needed for sustained extreme heat scenarios.

Q: Is nuclear energy a viable option for clean firm power in the energy transition?

Nuclear energy can provide zero-emission power with moderate flexibility and should be considered alongside other clean firm options.

Q: How can the state incentivize and support local government efforts in the energy transition?

The state can provide financial support and partnerships to help local governments implement climate and energy solutions effectively.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Energy and water issues are crucial for policymakers in the American West.

• Focus on balancing decarbonization, affordability, resilience, and reliability in energy systems.

• Challenges include diverse goals, political contexts, and requisite consensus building.