The Grid We Need, The Grid We Have
Critical infrastructure sectors are becoming increasingly complex and interdependent and so, too, are the physical and socioeconomic landscapes in which they operate. This in turn has increased the possibility of disruptions and subsequent compounding disruptions. Climate change adds an additional layer of uncertainty and disruption to these evolving interconnected networks. And, for the power grid, this shifting threat landscape is exacerbated by increased demand from electrification, decarbonization, population growth, and an overall increase in reliance on electricity. Climate change is also affecting energy usage patterns. For example, Texas has seen spikes in energy demand and intense strain on the power grid from both unexpected cold snaps and intense heat waves.