With the United States of America (USA) being the world’s second-largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions, it is expected that there would be climate repercussions. Although these repercussions have been expected to be dire, it is safe to say that one cannot fully prepare for disaster. However, the most recent case of the consequences of climate change in the U.S, which occurred in Texas days ago, has led to the idea of a new American dream.
Freezing temperatures brought about by winter storm Uri led to a demanding need for energy consumers in Texas to use their heaters consistently. This led to a skyrocket in Texan energy demand. However, the Texan grid as energy providers themselves were struggling. The freezing temperatures caused gas plants and even wind turbines and a nuclear reactor to be frozen; blocking pipes as well, so there also was no water to residents. By the 17th of February, close to three million Americans had no access to electricity and water.
This blatant and very bold show of just how climate change can affect energy access and in turn ripple into other aspects of daily life has shown the importance of a new American dream. This new American dream would involve the need to cut the country’s carbon emissions down drastically. Also, there would be the relevance of re-evaluating and possibly reinforcing the country’s energy grid, in a way that would better prepare it for emergencies as such.
The new American dream is not one of high-paying jobs and a ‘comfortable’ life. Instead, it involves drastic climate change actions and a revamping of an energy grid to avoid life-threatening blackouts and save lives.