With climate change bringing more extreme weather, expert says energy efficiency is a must
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Sub-zero temperatures this week required an increase in energy usage that experts say is not sustainable – with more extreme weather expected in the years to come due to climate change.
More snow is coming Thursday night, followed by another blast of dangerous cold for the weekend. A winter weather advisory is going into place Tuesday night.
It's not an unfamiliar drill.
"Hey, we're Chicagoans," said Howard Learner. "We know what frigid winters are."
Chicagoans know how to handle frigid temperatures, but it's not so certain that homes do. With more extreme weather expected moving forward due to changes in the climate, the impact on home energy use must be acknowledged, experts say.
"Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events," Learner said. "We are going to have more cold, cold days in the winter - and we're going to have more extremely hot days in the summer."
Learner leads the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago. He was the founding chair of the Illinois Citizens Utility Board and Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
So, it is safe to say he knows a thing or two about energy efficiency. Given the weather conditions are growing more severe, he said everyone else will need to learn about energy efficiency, too.
"Climate change is happening. We don't want a bad problem to get worse," Learner said. "We need to take action steps to avoid that. We also need to be smart about adapting."
One of his suggestions is to install a smart thermostat to regulate the temperature.
"That means you adjust the temperature so on a hot summer day if you're not home, it doesn't cool it as much - and on a cold winter day, if you're not home, it doesn't heat it as much," Learner explained.
Other simple tips include checking your furnace and sealing windows and doors.
Learner explained how adaptation is also a statewide priority in Illinois.
"There's much more wind energy in Illinois than ever before," he said. "We are one of the top 5 states in the country."
Illinois is the first state in the Midwest to enact legislation charting a path to 100% clean energy by 2050 - in an effort to combat climate change. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which mandates decarbonization, renewable energy and labor standards, and equity in the clean energy economy, was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker just over two years ago.
"The good thing about energy efficiency is not only are you making a difference on climate change, but you're saving money on your utility bills - and that's good for everybody," said Learner.
The City of Chicago also launched a Climate Action Plan in 2008.
The Chicago Department of Environment said in a statement:
<blockquote>"On par with the State's climate goals, the City of Chicago committed to power all City operations with 100% clean power. We are one of the largest energy users in northern Illinois because of operations like the airports and the water treatment plants. The City is on track to meet the goal by January 1, 2025, using new solar energy being produced in downstate Illinois.
"Also, Mayor Johnson's continued support for investment in cleaner, affordable energy through projects like the Department of Housing's whole home retrofit effort demonstrates how local governments are taking actions to ensure families have affordable and healthy homes."</blockquote>
The Citizens Utility Board also shared some tips first prepared last year on how to be energy-efficient during Illinois winters, and a consumer alert issued last week with advice on battling cold at home.