How Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Investments are Building Climate Resilient Communities

Record-breaking Climate Events in the United States

In the summer of 2023, the United States experienced extreme weather conditions including record-breaking heat, historic flooding, and numerous hurricanes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there have been 23 weather or climate disasters with losses of over $1 billion each in 2023 alone. This increase in natural disasters causing severe damage is a concerning trend, as the average number of such events per year has more than doubled over the last five years compared to the average from 1980 to 2022.

The National Climate Resilience Framework

On September 28, the White House released the new National Climate Resilience Framework and hosted the first-ever White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities. The summit gathered state, local, Tribal, and Territorial leaders to discuss strategies for improving America’s climate resilience. With over $50 billion secured for climate resilience through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, households and communities now have access to tools and resources to adapt to current climate impacts and prepare for future climate risks.

Examples of Resilience Efforts

Energy Efficiency

Ensuring access to secure buildings at safe temperatures is crucial for community welfare during extreme weather events and climate disasters. In California, the Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting new housing developments equipped with high-efficiency electric appliances, solar panels, and batteries. These developments are built onto microgrids that can operate even if the grid experiences blackouts caused by climate-driven wildfires, heat waves, or storms. This collaboration between KB Home, SunPower Corp., Southern California Edison, Kia Corp., University of California Irvine, Schneider Electric, and the DOE aims to enhance the resilience of communities.

In cities like Dallas, a focus on weatherization is helping limit the strain extreme temperatures place on the electric grid. The city has launched programs to connect residents with resources that support home repairs and upgrades. Through the Whole Home Dallas website, residents can access DOE income-based assistance and tax credits. Simple actions such as installing weather stripping, insulation, caulking, and repairing and replacing doors and windows can make homes in Dallas more energy efficient and resilient to extreme weather.

Taking Action

If you are interested in improving the resilience of your home, there are several steps you can take. The DOE State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) website provides resources to help you identify your state weatherization administrator, review frequently asked questions about Home Energy Rebates, and explore ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy activities by state.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• SDG 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product (GDP) caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
• SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets:

• Number of weather or climate disasters with losses of over $1 billion each
• Average number of weather or climate events per year compared to the 1980-2022 average
• Amount of funding secured for climate resilience through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
• Number of housing developments equipped with high-efficiency electric appliances, solar panels, and batteries
• Number of homes weatherized and upgraded to be more energy efficient

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: energy.gov

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