Evaluating the Energy Security Implications of a Carbon-Constrained U.S. Economy

Technology plays an important role in determining how energy is produced, delivered, and consumed. In the future, it is expected to play an equally important role in enabling society to secure its energy system while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). But it is unclear what mix of technologies holds the greatest promise for simultaneously addressing climate change and energy security. Earlier this year, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) examined eight carbon constrained scenarios for technological development and energy use in the United States in 2035 and assessed how each scenario affects factors closely associated with energy security. Envisioning carbon-constrained futures through this “Energy Security Lens,” produced a number of insights that could inform U.S. policymakers as they consider technology support policies to address energy, climate, and economic priorities.

This session provided an overview of the CSIS/WRI analysis and invited technologists and energy industry representatives to speak about the challenges and opportunities they see when it comes to tackling our energy security and climate change challenges.

Full panelist presentation PDFs available on the right.