Living with Climate Change: The Polar Vortex | Anticipating Threats and Building Preparedness

More information at: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/041322climatechange

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to view a briefing series on strategies, policies, and programs preparing communities around the country for four major climate threats: polar vortices, sea level rise, wildfires, and extreme heat. Experts and practitioners will highlight the unique challenges these climate threats present along with strategies to overcome them.

The polar vortex is an area of low-pressure, frigid air that usually exists around the North Pole. The polar vortex is held in place by the Earth’s rotation and temperature differences between the Arctic and mid-latitudes. Changes in temperature differences can make the polar vortex expand to more southern latitudes. While this phenomenon occurs naturally, climate change is expected to impact the frequency and severity of polar vortex events. Communities must consider adaptation strategies to avoid blackouts and improve overall home energy efficiency, as loss of power when temperatures are so low can become deadly—246 people died during the Texas polar vortex freeze in 2021, many from hypothermia.

Panelists discussed the science behind the polar vortex and how the energy grid and other critical infrastructure can be made resilient to this threat.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

00:00 - Start
04:57 - Dr. Jennifer Francis, Acting Deputy Director and Senior Scientist, Woodwell Climate Research Center
17:15 - Dr. Murali Baggu, Laboratory Program Manager for Grid Integration, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
28:19 - Megan Levy, Resilience Strategist & Energy Assurance Coordinator, Office of Energy Innovation, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
47:01 - Michael Gartman, Manager, Carbon-Free Buildings, RMI
59:30 - Q&A

Topics and Speakers:

Dr. Jennifer Francis
Acting Deputy Director and Senior Scientist, Woodwell Climate Research Center
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Jennifer_Francis_Slides_041322.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/ENG4EOI3-u8?t=04m57s

Dr. Murali Baggu
Laboratory Program Manager for Grid Integration, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Murali_Baggu_Slides_041322.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/ENG4EOI3-u8?t=17m15s

Megan Levy
Resilience Strategist & Energy Assurance Coordinator, Office of Energy Innovation, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Megan_Levy_Slides_041322.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/ENG4EOI3-u8?t=28m19s

Michael Gartman
Manager, Carbon-Free Buildings, RMI
Download Slides: https://www.eesi.org/files/Michael_Gartman_Slides_041322.pdf
Skip to presentation: https://youtu.be/ENG4EOI3-u8?t=47m01s