We look at the idea of widescale electrification of the economy as a major climate policy framework and solution. We put this in the context of the Standards, Investments, and Justice "new consensus" on climate policy.

1. 24. Electrify Everything
Adam Briggle
UNT Phil 4250 Climate Change
adam.briggle@unt.edu

2. Outline
1. Objective: To examine and assess widescale electrification as a key aspect of
climate change policy.
2. Electricity: A secondary source of energy
3. Recap: the SIJ pillars of the “new consensus”
4. The VP Debate takes on climate change
5. Why are CO2 emissions declining? Although not fast enough…
6. It’s all about how fast we can replace machines
7. How do you pay for it? Loans!
8. The Green New Deal’s Technical Manual

5. Recap: the SIJ ‘new consensus’
• S for standards – make things run on renewables.
• Set sector specific standards for low-hanging fruit (power, cars, and buildings)
• Power sector (electricity) is set to drive fossil fuels/emissions way down
• Hold that thought…

6. The debate…
• So much to unpack, so little time… just pick one remark.
• Pence: “the United States has reduced CO2 more than countries that are still in the
Paris climate accord.”
• True… but not really true! Look at percent reductions.

10. What’s driving emissions down? Although
not fast enough…

11. The power sector is driving decarbonization. Now, we just
need to get other sectors running on electrons.
A bonus: massive efficiency gains (primary energy demand
cut in half)
Fracking…
Methane?

12. It’s all about how fast can we replace machines.
MFT – maximal feasible transition.
Note: it won’t happen with the invisible hand.
Requires a mandate - Standards

13. Finance it with government loans! (like
consumer bonds)

14. This is the Green New Deal’s Technical Manual
• And it has benefits
• Jobs
• Cleaner air
• Cost savings
• Cooler cars
• Oh and averting climate catastrophe

15. “All of recorded human history has happened within an era of relative
climate stability; an era that’s about to end.”
Dang!